Miles is indeed Tails, Just my way of introducing him into it. Bunnies robotics manifest themselves this arc too, when I have a full synopsis i'll post here 
I dont plan on going too extreme, about as dark as maybe Batman Begins/Dark Knight at worst? Though I do plan on using a lot of Mobian Villains, such as Geoffrey, Nack, Naugus. My Shadow will be a total evil bastard too, due to Marias fate as usual, so he will be misguided evil as i call it. I also plan for him to stay dead too unlike the games lol
Wow, sounds like a very interesting series you got cooked up.
Ironically, your portrayal of Shadow is very similar to the one I mentioned from before.
Me personally, I like to think Shadow as someone who's very misunderstood, as well as loyal to the ones he loved, such as Maria. He tries to avenge her wronful death, that is until he realizes later on what Maria really wanted him to do, which was to be a hero for the people of the planet. Thus, he honors his promise to her, becoming one of the Freedom Fighters.
I wonder what Max was asking Geoffrey about too but like you said... to many unanswered questions.
I have no idea, but I know it wasn't anything good. That vile Max is completely up to no good.

Though I do wonder, why is he doing this at all? Isn't the kingdom in enough turmoil already?
Man, whoever thought it would be wise to make Sally's Dad an evil monster instead of a sweet father like in Satam really is twisted. What's next, they going to make her Mom and brother conspire behind Sally's back too?