I would assume it is funded by some unknown benefactor. Yeah, there are a few things that don't make sense but I just go with it since the show is a lot of fun.
The impression I get is Wells is training Barry and helping him so in the end he uses Barry's ability to heal/repair whatever it is that is ailing him. It seems Barry's power has to achieve a level where it will be useful to Wells. His past behavior demonstrates his narcissism.
I am only familiar with the Silver Age version of the Flash. As I recall, the story was simpler with less of the drama. I am really digging this show and Jeff's posts has just upped my excitement for it. Looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.
I came across this little article about the easter eggs in the premier. I thought it was interesting.
http://screenrant.com/flash-tv-series-easter-eggs-comic-refrences/?utm_source=zergnet.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zergnet_285175
I agree that it is reminiscent of Smallville and its one thing of Smallville that turned me off from the show. Prior to the show, Kryptonite had no effect on humans (in the mythos). The idea of something so harmless to humans but deadly to Superman is what made that plot device so powerful...
I give it a thumbs up. They seemed to stick, for the most part, to the comics I remember, although I haven't read them recently so I don't know the modern take on the mythos.
I did see the DC movie, The Flashpoint Paradox, and they did incorporate some of that here...
I will be adding this...