Nothing sounds overly scarey.
The friction shifters just take some getting used to. Back in the old days that's about all there was for deraileured bikes.
Saddles are such a personal preference item that it might be a good thing the bike needs a new one so you don't have to justify getting rid of the old one.
Wheels are sort of a wear item, get a new one or find a decent used one and scratch that item off you list.
Assuming that you're north of the equator I'd recommend just getting the bike ridable and put some miles on it for the rest of the summer. By the time fall gets here you should have the bike and your list sorted out.
Or just find a local seller selling a ready to ride bike.
Oh, and did you post pics of the bike yet**********