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You do not need to, though some people claim it makes for bushier plants. If you want to pinch, pinch the top 1/4 when the seedlings have 6-8 sets of true leaves.

This depends on where you are located. Without this information, I couldn't tell you if it is too early in your area. It is about time to start them indoors in my area in Tennessee, and further south. Closer to Canada, it would not be time for another couple of months.

It is difficult to determine the issue, with no images.
This link will help you.

https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/broad-bean-dry/infos

Broad beans are normally sown in the spring, from February to April. However some varieties are particularly hardy and can be sown in autumn from October to November (provided that the soil is still reasonably warm). November sowings usually germinate within 2-3 weeks.

I am not sure of where the midlands are. Can you provide your USDA zone? This will tell me your average temperatures. Beans will not tolerate hot temperatures very well, so if these are above 85 degrees or so, then it wouldn't be a good idea to plant them. If the temperatures are still low in your area, then it could be possible to plant them now. Whether you choose to buy plants, or plant beans will be up to you. Since they grow so fast, I always just plant from beans.

If you think it will be hot in your area for awhile, then you may want to try growing these indoors under horticultural lighting.