1. It seems to be exclusive to chromium, I'm sure that Firefox and Internet Explorer don't do it this way. They don't start downloading until after I select a location for the download.

2. I mean if I click a link thinking it will take me to a page where I can read details about a download but get the actual download instead. Or if a site is trying to force me to download something without asking me. In either case Opera has already started the download before I can click cancel.

3. Yes, most of the time. However there is still an unnecessary risk when you download things without confirmation.

Opera starts downloading files automatically when the download prompt pops up. It shouldn't be doing this because it is sometimes downloading things I don't want and they could potentially be dangerous.