Eric and Sleazy are absoloutely right, I just want to add a couple things I've noticed:
I used gloves for about a year and found it actually helped develop my grip strength. The gloves make your hands "bigger" because of padding and what not, and I find you actually have to grip a little harder to close your hands enough to secure the bar IMO. But you shouldn't get blisters from the bar, callouses yes, blisters no.

As far as the rack-pulls go, I know alot of girls that do stiff legged deads to work their core. They don't use near that kind of weight though, 60lbs or so max. IMO I don't see how rack-pulls can be beneficial to girls unless they are doing some sort of training for sports etc., you're better to stick with hyperextensions, and stiff legged deads to work your lower back and DB rows and Lat-pulldown to work upper back.

ps. I bet any one of us could write the personal trainers exam and pass with flying colors ;)