Yes you can do it. Just don't trust that you have the power off till you actually test it. You should put a note on the switch that disabled the power that you may be killed if anyone turns it back on before you finish. The trick is in holding the fixture while you make the wire connections. Professional electricians have three hands or a clever way to accomplish this alone. Test your wire connection by tugging a bit on each wire while holding the wirenut to make sure the wires are secure. If things didn't go well when inserting into the wirenut they'll often pop right out when you do this step. Please explain your fluorescent question.

I really like the one from Bellacor-- will check it out. Like you, I have somewhat traditional taste. The design concept of the house was that it look as though it *could* have been built in 1908 instead of 2008, with minimal updating. Though I used around 30 cans in the kitchen, I also did the ceiling in bead board with beams in a way that hides the cans. from a distance, you can't see the cans at all, which means you really only see them if you tip your head back. It isn't a perfect solution, but it helps. A solution I thought about but ultimately rejected because I have too darn many lights [and the $ add up] is using essentially a 'mini-mini-pendant', or mini pendant without the down rod/chain/etc: This one is also from bellacor, the only one I could find in a hurry. There are others out there, though. It's less than ten inches, so you'd have more than 7 feet of clear space with an 8ft ceiling.

I've have the Cree recessed lights (HD version) for years and we have no flicker. I don't recall seeing reports of that from others either. Maybe there is something else going on? Do you have them on a dimmer - if so, perhaps you don't have a compatible dimmer? The light you posted uses Halogen bulbs which get hot. Or maybe it comes in an LED version?

Please post picture of the light fixture in question. Often there are 3 screws around the perimeter of the base that hold the glass in. Or, there is a decorative 'knob' at the bottom that unscrews to allow the glass globe to be dropped down, carefully. Both types shown below.