I would also advocate scooping the front kick to the side of you and then attacking whilst they are off balanced

If you mean scooping with your hands then that would give him the opportunity to block it in the first place. He has a higher guard which makes low kicks into the stomache easier to hit. But if you can pick you knee up high enough to block them your fine.

No picking up your knee is simple. If you dont want your guard down it is a good idea so if they throw a combo with a kick and a punch he isnt left open after he blocks it. Lifting his knee wont get him swept if he brings it down after the block. They are both kicking; the opponent cant kick twice with different legs without putting their foot down. He would have enough time to put his down to and regain his balance.
Also another way to get out of getting kicked is get out of the reach. Stay a good distance when you arent attacking so you dont get hit.