sweet pepper advice please

I've not tried it, but saw it on Beechgrove last year, would it help to grow them as a cordon (up a string, like Tomatoes)?  I think that might support the weight of the crop better, plus in "pruning" them to be a cordon every other flower is taken off

I support mine with canes and string around the outside.

I've not tried it either, but wouldn't think cordon-pruning would work  although BG factsheet no 15 shows it working 
My usual pruning is to encourage more branches, and so more flowers/fruits to form.

The rotting ones usually have a bug inside, so take off any that have puncture holes in them, as soon as you see them.

I plant mine about the same distance as tomatoes, the root ball is about the same size.