1: Depends on the class. Bowing is a Warlock thing, Saluting is a Titan thing, and I don't play a Hunter so idk what their wave is.
2: Pay attention to your motion tracker. Be sure to crouch, it won't eliminate your 'signature' on enemy MTs, but it helps. Also, practice, practice, practice. Try a Level 8 Strike for some good practice.
3: Experiment with different rifles. Personally I prefer Scout Rifles to Pulse/Auto Rifles. Oh, and are you playing Iron Banner or regular Crucible? Iron Banner mode allows for level advantages so you might not be geared up to take on the Iron Banner just yet.
4: You're not a douche.
5: If you're wiping out on the mesh relay wave portion of the Strike you may want to consider leveling your dude through Explore mode or Story missions. Your skills will continue to rank up past level 8 too.