Maple doesn't have big enough pores for a liming wax to do much. It's hard to get an even finish. If you sand it , be very careful to evenly sand it - stain grabs where it's been sanded and skips the spots where it's still covered in finish.

I'd clean it thoroughly with TSP and water, then with mineral spirits to get all old dirt off, then glaze it. Look for a white gel stain - Old Masters makes "pickling white" - and wipe it on lightly as a glaze.

Not sure what you are looking for. You can "highlight" with a glazing technique, but you can't significantly lighten the color.

Here are some photos that I've done with "dusty wax' technique that is similar to glazing