(1): Why the hang-on of the Dwemer/Redguard connection? Everybody knows the Dwemer were there first, but I'm curious as to why you'd think there was some "test of the people" type-thing going on?
(2) Not really clear what you mean.
I just think it will be cool to see Dwemer ruins scattered across Hammerfell. I can't see that many natural caves in the desert so a few underground ruins would liven it up greatly. It'll be different to the cold climates we've see to-date. That and I feel it'll add interesting side to the lore of a place.
The Redguard / Dwemer connection was just a result of me mis-reading the UESP article which I'm sure has changed from its original wording. I got the impression that a lot of Redguards lore was entwined with Hammerfell being the last place of the Dwemer (if this is correct). Especially as Hammerfell was named after Dwemer - hence me thinking that the Hammerfell was greatly Dwemer-fied.
With regard to bronze armor. I just picture the Redguards more like a African / Afro-Mediterranean (inc. Arabian North African) inspired race so it'll be more interesting to see something different to fur, leather, steel and iron (& Adamantium & ebony?) as worn by Nede races. I'm personally not into seeing things turn too alien or unrealistic looking.
Forget the Minotaur, but something like this would suit a Redguard in my opinion (it doesn't look Elven and it doesn't look Nedic and doesn't look too alien)
http://images.community.wizards.com/community.wizards.com/user/funkaphant/large/eb140e80a082ae3da1481e9bec6548e1.jpg?v=149400 (but with different shield - looks too Nord)
That and the majority of Hammerfell residents will be wearing Redguard drab which is obviously just clothes and isn't armor. Maybe even some reptile hide light armors could be different and fresh idea. I can imagine Redguards riding giant lizards across the desert.