Nikolai,

I have found that it's best to completely remove the potting material from the root ball. There are often wads of moss and other things packed inside that cause the roots to rot. Carefully pry the roots apart so they can get lots of air circulation then repot in bark mixture. There is lots of good info in this site on how to repot.
There are always "outside roots". You can try to redirect them or let them do their thing. They usually find what they're looking for on their own no matter that you do with them.
Bamboo skewers work great to gauge the wetness but clear plastic pots are even better-you can see what's going on. You can slip them into the pretty ceramic pots for looks.

Also, you may find that the plants would like more light than they appear to be getting in the last photo.

Maureen

yellow leaves
 

I think maybe your plants aren't getting enough light to actually dry the medium before you water again. I have over 50 phals and keep them right in east and west windows. I've been doing that for over 10 years with good success and constant blooming. If you have to have them away from the direct light, get some cfl bulbs, those curly ones they sell at Home Depot and put them in a desk lamp aimed at the plant. As far as roots growing out of the medium, all my phals do that, some have roots coming out of every hole in my pots, I use the same type of pot you have in your pictures.

Hope this helps.

Cathy