objects in js are dictionaries, and functions are objects theirselves, so you can call any function that is part of an object with a dictionary key.

The function here is just for grouping and doesn't add any special method classes that do work. You can easily copy the function code and put it exactly where the function call is and it will work exaclty the same.
Not as true to the specs as it could to be, and not as efficient as it should be, but I wouldn't call it 'cheating'

That's how recursion works, check your code here: http://pythontutor.com/javascript.html#mode=edit

Have you tried to run your solution in your local IDE and see how it works?