[Strength of the New Generation Question]

At the beginning of the text it states "Choose up to 3 allied characters. Give each chosen character an Herb token". Are we allowed to chose less than 3 allied characters? 

Can we start round 1 off without anyone getting a herb token to ensure they will not take damage the following phase?

[Grunts and Change Controllers]

In the rules book it states that "if a grunt character were to change controllers, it is removed from the game instead".

I understand players are controllers and not the parents characters. Since that is the case would the grunt switch controllers and be removed from the game if:

1- my opponent uses the Mind Stone Gem to advance my grunt character S?

2- My opponent uses Ebony Maws Black Tongue Attack and rolls a wild triggering "Sinister Influence" and advances my grunt character S?

If these are taken as "changing controllers" than do any attack or superpower that allows your opponent to advance your character count as changing controllers?

If these are not taken as "changing controllers" is there any instance in the game that can make a grunt character change controllers?