Suzaku can still shoot Lelouch in the arms, legs, shoulders, or basically anywhere that isnt fatal to disable him. That is indeed the only way Suzaku could have fired his gun. Aside from this, the gunshot was either from Lelouch or Kallen, target I leave up to your imagination.

I disagree with your point that Lelouch could do little if he was there. I am pretty sure that they would have won had Lelouch been in command, since that was his plan from the very beginning. Lelouch never initiates anything that will not succeed, and the only times he has failed was when unexpected factors come into play (ie Suzaku and Lancelot etc.) Losing Ougi also attributed to the confusion that erupted. Had Ougi been alright, they wouldnt have been wiped out so easily.

Big difference between near and Suzaku is, Near didnt look as bloodthirsty and psychotic, not to mention villainous as Suzaku in the similar scenes.