I dont think he mind controlled itachi, since itachi didnt kill sasuke.
For the clones part, there was something about a maximum number of clones he could do when his clones are gathering natural energy, but then again everytime he summons one back, he could have let a new one gather energy hiding somewhere
. Recall? I dont really get that part, The clones dont have contact with eachother. They need to be hit and poof to send back information and stuff to naruto. Summoning is needed cause they are all the way in frog land, having no idea of how the battle is going.
Im not sure about the coupe, but I think they really might have planned it themselves, being an opressed clan and all.