1. You can ask, but very, very unlikely. Success rate for me: 0%

2. You are always a confirmed pax on the ticketed flight. When you check in, the agent will give you the Boarding Pass for the 1915 flight, and place you on the Priority Stand-by list. Your name will be announced over the PA if you clear the stand-by list is a good idea to check with the gate agent, or Empress Lounge attendant to ensure you all are on the Gold list. Make sure they have not put you on the list as Gold, and others as Club, as you may not all get on the same flight).

3. It really depends on the flight, route, date, time, etc.

Good luck with it!