At the end of March, my friend and I are taking advantage of UA's amazing sale fare to KIX (US$533 fully-loaded from BOS). Both ways, UA offers a "direct" flight with a change-of-gauge from a B757 to B777. On the outbound flight however, in order to maximize the miles earned and better control our seat selection for the trans-pac leg, I booked the 0900 BOS-ORD flight which results in a connection, rather than the 0800 "through" flight. (the extra ~500 miles are worth the $4.50 in PFC's). As this flight is my first trans-pac on UA (indeed, with any airline) I have a few questions for anybody who has experience with this run. (I am a 1P.)

1. Do I run the risk of significant delays in BOS or ORD on a Sunday morning in late March? I suppose that if weather in BOS or ORD looks inclement, we could arrive at BOS early and try to make the 0800 or even the 0700 to ORD.
2. My connection in ORD is approx. 90 minutes. Is this enough time to safely make our trans-pac flight (with checked luggage) and enjoy the RCC? Or are the 500 miles not worth the hour less of connection time?
3. Which RCC in ORD would be the best place to kill 45 minutes or so?
4. How early does a 1P in E+ really need to board a trans-pac?
5. I reserved the aisle-window in Row 17 both ORD-KIX and KIX-ORD. It is the bulkhead at the front of the E+ cabin on a B777. Good idea?
6. Should I use the RCC at KIX or is there another *A club that would be better?
7. Are there any other perks or special features to look out for when doing this run?

Your help is greatly appreciated!