I would definitely be in favor of equal spacing. The LEDs are not hanging 10cm above the step, so you wouldn't need to align them based on the tread surface.
It depends on the angle of radiation and the light cone. A poorly illuminated staircase is worse in the dark than no lighting at all.
That is of course correct. The prerequisite is that the LEDs have a wide beam angle. I would recommend that anyway for 4 light sources, regardless of the position.
In addition to the spotlights, we also have 3 wall lights so that the staircase is also illuminated from above. We will talk to the electrician again tomorrow and clarify it then. I think the distances can also be made "even" and still ensure that the spotlights cover the steps.