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It is hard to say what may have eaten the heads. The common culprits would be deer, squirrels or rabbits. Many of these animals are searching for anything edible to eat in the winter and will eat anything they find.

You may want to look into blanching your cauliflower heads. Brown cauliflower heads typically mean that the heads are too old. But what may be happening in your case is that the cauliflower does not look white and you are not aware that it needs to be harvested. Blanching may help.

This article will give more info on fig care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/how-to-grow-figs.htm

Fig trees do not fruit typically until their 3rd year and up to their 5th year, so you may see fruit this year.

It is not a silly question. They grow close to the ground like a cabbage. the cauliflower head will have leaves growing on the edges. These leaves get tied over top of the head to blanch the head and give it a milder taste. You can also simply cover the head with a bag a few days before you harvest to blanch it that way.

You need to tie the leaves over the head to blanch it. Do not cut the floret. This will cause the plant to grow a scattered shaped head instead of a tight head.

You can try placing the entire head in pantyhose or other suitable nylon stocking until ready for harvesting.

Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/how-to-grow-broccoli.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cauliflower/growing-cauliflower.htm

Spring-planted cauliflower heads should be covered or blanched when 2 inches in diameter to exclude light and produce pure white heads. To blanch, tie the outer leaves up and over the developing head.