Non-EU family seeking uk permanent residence

[ed2008]

I am spouse of EU national (Greece). we married in the UK in 02/2003 when we were both students. As my student visa was still valid until end of 2003 i did not apply for family visa. From 03/2003 to 09/2003 i was in Germany for a post-doc fellowship. my wife remained in UK to continue her studies and I came back from time to time to visit. In Oct. 2003 got a family entry visa (from Greece) valid for 1 year. I came back and joined my wife and started working in 10/2003 until now. My wife finished her studies in July 2004. After my wife failed to get work we decided to start a family. I was working and she had some funds so we have been completely self-sufficient.
1. When we applied for residence cards there was no requirement for having a health insurance. Form EEA4 asks evidence of comprehensive health cover from my wife covering her, our children and myself. Is this necessary as I have been and continue to work? My wife is also in employment since 03/2008. In any case under Dir. 2004 my wife by virtue of being here since 1998 has acquired permanent residence (although she has not bothered to have certified in her passport). Does this make need for health cover irrelevant?
2. Under EU rule EU nationals and their family members do not need to apply for permanent residence. Does this apply to their non-EU (i.e. me) family members? if this is the case and I have been here for more than six years can i apply for citizenship without bothering to apply for permanent residence first?
3. Can I apply for permanent residence under national laws as someone married to a person settled in the UK?

[vinny]

1. See also Permanent Residence Qualifying Period For EEA National

2. See also EEA Visa extention. You may have acquired permanent residence automatically.