I always use speed laces in my shoes, when my shoes die, I actually buy new laces for my new shoes, so my dead running shoes keep the same laces in them.

I do use Tri specific shoes(Louis Garneau Tri Air), I find it alot easier then road shoes that have usually 2-3 straps.

Wetsuit(especially a tri specific one, Xterra, Orca, Ironman, Nineteen, ect) Make you faster in the water, you have to kick less to keep bouyent. As well as you are alot more slippery in the water. Plus as you say, the water tends to be colder, so you are more comfortable in a wetsuit.

With a tri bike fit. It is just making sure that you are comfortable when you drop down into the areobars. On a normal road bike fit it is uncomfortable to be bent down so much, so maby having a forward seat post would help, but that would be determained by having a good fit.