Questions regarding a stoop project

I plan to replace my existing wood front steps with a cement, block and flagstone tread stoop with iron rails and stone sidewall veneer. I would like to go over my plans, provide some pictures and ask a few questions if possible. I leave in CT, so I plan to dig two perimeter trenches (below the frost line) and perpendicular out from the existing foundation and one tying the two together (which would basically be where the first step will be). The trench will be about 12-14" wide (ie: rake width), with rebar added and will be poured with cement up to appx ground level. I plan to use the ground itself as the form as long as I can dig some clean trenches with good sidewalls. From that point I plan to use cinder blocks to build the sidewalls and steps and the platform height itself will end a few inches beneath the door. I'll be using 2" blue stone treads for the steps and 1.5" treads for the platform area. If all goes well, I'll be using a professional to add the iron rails since I don't want to take any chances drilling the blue stone with my own tools. For waterproofing against the house, I plan to use a self-stick water membrane from beneath the door sill, over the old PT ledger board, over the house sheathing and lapped onto the existing foundation. For additional protection, I plan to cover the membrane with copper flashing or similar material that will not interact with the membrane components. I'll make sure to use the shingle method (overlapping) to avoid water penetration.

Here are my questions:

1. The poured cement foundation will be around the perimeter of the stoop. The side walls and first step will land of these foundations. However, on the interior of the stoop I was planning to use crushed stone (ie: 6 ) that is tamped down, then lay my cinder blocks on that base to form the steps needed. Is this the normal practice? Pouring a cement foundation for every horizontal step row seems like it would be overkill. I am assuming that the poured cement foundation on the perimeter will stop any frost heave for the entire stoop. I don't have to worry about the interior section alone heaving do I?

2. I plan to fill the interior section (under the platform area) with stone and rocks then put a cap layer (appx 6 ) of cement on top to equal the wall block height. Within the cement cap layer I will also use rebar tying the side walls together. The blue stone tops will be added as a separate step later. Does this plan sound correct?

3. Does my waterproofing membrane with metal flashing covering it sound like the right idea? I do not want any chance of water penetration.

4. Is it Ok for the stone and rock fill to lean up against the house flashing on the interior section of the stoop? The reason I ask this question is because I saw one posting on the Internet stating to leave an air gap between the stoop and existing foundation. This would be difficult since I would have to build some type of barrier. This is not normally what I see when I look at other people's stoops. I normally don't see an air gap where the stoop meets the house foundation. Any thoughts?

5. Should I plan to have rebar extend up from the poured cement walls so it can enter the voids where the cinder blocks will be added on the first row?

6. Should I fill all the cinder block holes with cement?

7. Are clips or mesh needed on the block sidewalls to receive the future veneer stones?

Thanks in advance,