I am intrigued by the Russian spelling rules. Firstly, they are quite confusing, for example:
Ы can't be written after Ш, you have to write И. But И can never be pronounced after Ш, you have to say Ы.
Secondly, I was wodering when they came about, and why, if that can be answered. Is there any logic behind them, or is it just the way it is?

Thirdly, are there any exceptions to the rules? English has so-called spelling rules, but there always seem to be many exceptions.