I depend on my trainer. It is either that or nothing in this area at this time of the year. I cannot be out of condition.
The Cycle-Ops FL2 trainer has done fine for me. It resembles real road conditions quite well. I train at least two hours per day typically at 17 MPH. I stand up in the biggest gear for two miles out of six miles but have done five miles in a stretch standing. About 50 RPM.
I use ordinary tires on the trainer and they do wear but not enough for me to worry.
A skewer came with the trainer.
Adding too much tension will make the training more difficult. I set it as low as possible. Standing up is no problem but I agree that rocking side to side must be minimized. I have done 22 MPH and that is hard on the bike. I can see that.
The Cycle-Ops has no Watts meter. That is something I wish I had. I rely on my HRM instead.