I'm also curious on how you decide what you're going to research and what you would trust to experts?
There are journalists out there who share public info that the MSM won't share for obvious reasons. I gather all of it, and try and get an understanding of the truth.
The rest of your questions are good, and I appreciate you taking the time and thoughtfulness to ask them, most people don't get that far. I remember asking myself those very same questions.
I'll get a post written up for ya as soon as I can :)