However I have one big suggestion.
Adding nodes to a conf file is fine but when a wallet client is installed and refuses to work without opening ports it's a nonstarter.
I'm sure there are a lot of arguments 'why' a port should be opened and 'why' it is ok but perception is all that matters.
Presumably many other people have the same reaction.
Fix that and you may find a lot more people are running the client.
Meanwhile I applaud all other efforts and aspects and apologize for not having the knowledge to make the proposed changes myself.
This thread not really used now. Active Bunnycoin thread is: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-new-bunnycoin-charity-support-decentralized-voting-no-premine-595766
Bunnycoin is an old coin that has never had any changes to the wallet. The original devs have not been active until recently, after the price increase. There appears to be no updates to the wallet planned that I have heard of.
Adding the nodes to the conf file is just the way it has to be done on this type of coin and firewalls need to let traffic through for any wallet to work. You don't have to allow incoming connections but outgoing is a must. Some computers are behind routers that will block outgoing connections and they must be opened in order for a wallet to work. This may not be your case.