Joining online via Steam

[Blakduk]

I have a few questions regarding joining online servers in CoD.
Is Steam the only option?
When joining via Steam, is it possible to check how balanced the teams are before choosing a side? (currently i choose a side, create a plane, join and then check the team balance from in the game- a very laborious process)
When joining a full switch server, is there any way to find out where the runway is once you're in the plane? Currently i make a guess and fire it up hoping to get enough airspeed before i hit something/run out of flat space- not very immersive as IRL i would have some clue where things were

Any help would be greatly appreciated.