TCR- I'm sorry but I can't answer most of your questions since I ride clinchers.
BUT, a good friend of mine is borrowing some tubulars from another friend right now and says the performance difference is really noticeable. Softer ride w/ better handling. So after you get over the initial pain of dealing with tubulars I think you'll enjoy them.

Oh yeah, PBK is definitely the way to go. I ride Conti 4000S'. $62 at LBS vs $30 at PBK. You can't beat PBK with a stick!

Are you riding the Tour de Palm Springs tomorrow? If so, I'll see you there, riding the century. There will only be a few thousand riders there, so I'll be easy to find! Just in case you're looking: Blue LaGrange kit w/ white & black Orbea Orca.