Update** Last year I ended up using a tree and shrub drench. The midge had got pretty bad. Hopefully I got them all. I didn't want to use insecticide, but it was that, or no roses. I did some research and found the ingredient that kills midge, then looked for it on Amazon. I don't have any houses near mine, so I'm assuming it can't come back if I got them all. I have seen one single weird bud this year, so I'm watching. Rose midge has to come from roses right? They aren't in trees/weeds?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gall One of the pictures is a Kalanchoe infected with Agrobacterium. Besides insects, fungi, bacteria, and viruses can cause galls, too. Was the stem of the Kalanchoe cut with an unsterilized tool? That looks like it is caused by bacteria to me but I'm no expert.

Yes, you are correct. Very etiolated, not healthy. New growth should look just as other pads but much smaller. It shouldn't be a 'race' of how much a week it grows, but steady and healthy growth of properly formed pads. Eastern window is not enough - best if you slowly acclimatize it to outdoor sunlight. Many opuntias are hardy, depends on your location/growing zone (there are some hardy even in my zone and colder).

Hello !! From the photos they look totally normal. Just like happy healthy new growth coming out ! No need to worry , just enjoy. :)