> 1. In order to backup a DB the user must be the owner or SYSDBA.
> However in that case the user may also have full access to modify
> tables, triggers, SPs, etc. Is there any way to allow backup/restore
> without providing access to metadata?

Root owns everything and you could manage backups with a cron job
running as root. It would be easier if all database files were in one
directory.
Mick