Reddit has done so much worse than that, up to and including hosting sexual content involving minors (and defended it!).
However many it needs.
If I'm dealing with a weapon with riven, I might go for 5-7 so that I get some flexibility. Usually up to 4 for non-riven.
Frames is a more by-use basis. I generally play mostly with prime frames so I will always consider an aura forma, I have a bunch. Then I just start using the frame and as I notice things I want to change to make the frame better, until I stop noticing what could be better. Typically I end up with forma'ing frames up to 3 times, the most extreme being.. 7? I think I made a mistake on that one at some point and ended up undoing it, but I'm not sure.
Focus on a couple of things at a time and figure out what stuff you can trade for.
Personally, I made a spreadsheet for tracking all of this and I used the in-game profile and foundry (once I had the BP of something) to keep track of what I was missing.
You can quickly murder the necramechs using your own necramech.
Press 2, press 4, shoot off both arms (aim for the shoulders) and you're good.
If you don't have a necramech, uhhh... ask someoen who does to join you until you do :V