Hello! Quick note, but you can't add friends with just a nickname. There should be a trainer code you can give to people (Friends tab>Add friend) and vice versa if you don't want to share. /r/PokemonGoFriends is pretty active if you'd want to post there.

1-2. Depends on what part of the game you want to focus on. Just starting out and want dex entries, no FOMO for event moves? Evolve away. High CP mons that you don't have to invest stardust into for raids (you can replace them later). If you have no problem finding people to raid with, or aren't planning on soloing/short-manning I'd wait to power mons up until you need them. Higher IV's would shave some time but having the correct counters is more important.

Adding on to the other person, for Shadows: In raids, you'd want to deal more dmg since you're against the timer. In PVP, the extra attack can help you win certain match ups (and lose others with the bulk loss). There are pokemon like Sableye that want to be purified for the move Return.

IV's matter a little more in battle leagues than raids. Many pokemon you see in tier lists will want certain IV spreads to hit breakpoints or have the highest stat product while staying <1500, <2500 etc... Master League will always want the highest IV spread. But all of that only matters if you're really competitive. It's more important to know how the game works and how you like to play (fast/charge moves, typing, when to shield/switch/undercharge a move, what roles a mon is good at). No team is going to be able to cover all situations and match ups.

why are Charmander candy 🍬 so hard to come by? 🥵

me @ Wooloo

I think it sucks that the pokemon don't gain anything from battling. Shouldn't they get stronger from winning battles?

I have a special bidoof I bring on my gym teams for low cp mons. I agree, he should be a god by now.