A new Feat starts at +0. That rating is relative to the Affinity, so if your Affinity is at 15, your ability with the Feat is also 15. So you could get a +2 automatic augment from the Feat the same as for any other ability rated at 15. You could get a rating of 16 either by buying up the Feat to +1 or the Affinity to 16.
A follower is just another ability. So yes, the only cost is the slot on the list in your case. And that does include the Relationship (also if the follower is a type listed in a keyword you get the Relationship at the ratign for keywords - 17).
Sidekicks "cost" more in that you can only get one for a slot (you can get groups of retainers).
Ordinary equipment is part of an ability - if you have the ability you are usually assumed to have the kit. Whether you get a bonus for it for msot skills is an interesting question.
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