I read with interest the 'commentaries' on Mahabharata and Ramayana by Cho Ramaswamy. He argues convincingly that Mahabharata could have happened for real. And that it is not a set of stories created over a few generations. A fictional account on an Avatara had no reason to highlight so many blemishes on Krishna's character nor would it detail the abuses heaped by the Kauravas (some accusations are right as per interpretations of these days).
I believe in temples/poojas but I think Hinduism is about merging with the absolute (which may be an infinite journey over many births) and not about meeting/merging with Krishna or Rama.
Caste system as practised 50 years ago has no place in today's scenario. The divisions I see are based on education, intellect and most importantly money. I am sure only a negligible percentage across the four varnas would be ready to stick to the professions decided by their birth. Free and high quality education to everyone irrespective of any classification is a sure shot way for our country's material and intellectual progress. The latter would trigger spiritual enquiry, which is supposed to be the goal of every individual according to all our holy scriptures.