First time on WS, and first time in YVR in maybe 15+ years.

YVR/SFO in Premium

a) Airport arrival time? 12:35pm flight departure
b) How strict are the hand luggage police? I may be checking luggage if it is an issue. Does that modify "a"?
c) Does TSA Precheck do anything @ YVR?
d) Are there any lounges open in the USA departures area? (Either paid, other airline, accessible with DL status, AX or PP card, etc.)
e) Will the inflight experience make me want to schedule all of my flights, no matter where in the world, via YVR to experience WS on a frequent basis?