Well, a lot of biological work does its best when nobody notices it. Physics is sexier: You can see and touch spaceships, VR, NI, stuff like that. The pills would be based on biology, though, even if they're synthetic nanos. So I wouldn't say physics is the best/only measure of a civilization's tech point, but I guess that's covered under the variances you'd mentioned. And I'm from a biological society, so I'm culturally biased.
I don't get sick. I'm innoculated, and/or immune to most things. I mean, I guess I could get smallpox? I don't know. Except for Kellis-Amberlee and its effect on my eyes, and migraines aren't really sick.
Maybe. Nah, he'd be a shit friend, you just like him because he's human. Unless you like shocking people, then he might be fun.