It's a case of interpretation I suppose. Muhammed's message (in its undoctored form) was a positive message - therefore, his 'genuineness' is of secondary concern to me. As I said, if all Muslims followed the actual teaching of Muhammed then the world would be a better place. I know for a fact that the merchants of hatred who portray themselves as Islamic (or Christian) preachers are nothing more than false and deserve the harshest punishment in this life and the next.
Also muslims do not preach forgiveness as much or seem to place as much importance in it (perhaps this is an extremist smokescreen as well).
Yes.
"Forgive our brothers who came before us in faith" 59:10