I really couldn't say why he doesn't like the pond as is. Buddy might enjoy a sprinkler if you have one, or there's nozzles you can get for a hose that have shower settings. If you could set-up the hose to rain/shower down on the pond when it's filling that might help him get used to it.
Ahh gotcha, I have a pond I've hand dug for my ducks too. Started pretty small but my ducks always liked going in. It's about 150 sq ft and 4' deep at this point, but even when it was smaller it still took quite a bit of work. I've easily spent 100+ hours of physical labor working the pond over...
Without a coop I think it's probably best you're keeping them in at night. I would be worried leaving them out too. Ultimately, I guess it depends on what your goal for your ducks is. There are a few users on here with some happy house ducks. There's even diapers you can buy for them.
If you...
Buddy is a handsome boy! His behavior doesn't sound too uncommon, especially if he imprinted on you and was hand raised as a baby. Just that time of year where everyone's favorite drake is a little riled up. Sounds like you've done a bit of reading on the topic, but here's a recent thread you...