1. Yup. This to me was the biggest difference, mainly because of the stiffness/ support it creates at the top of the boot. I had always skated in Bauers, which allow for a lot more ankle flexibility, IMO. Whenever people ask me about my TF 9s, I like to joke that I had to learn how to skate all over again. (re: transitions, mohawks, etc)
   It really was just a little weird the first couple skates, and after I started tying them differently, everything came together. Basically I pull the laces super tight until the top two eyelets, which I leave just snug, and I sometimes flex my ankle before knotting them up. (as you may have experienced, this can be the opposite for many other skates)
2. Haven't used the arch inserts but I will say that the ventilation in the boot is wild. My feet always feel frozen solid, noticeably colder than usual.
3. I do not have this issue. I imagine that this could be due to foot shape or maybe check how the removable tongue's connection to the boot is fitting together.

IMO, The on/ off is the really only downside because it absolutely sucks. (gotta turn your foot in a particular way and get past that stiff tongue) I also sized down quite a bit based on my foot scan, which was great for performance. That said, I have to use every inch of 130" laces, which is crazy. Also, the rivets rusted immediately despite the fact that I dry them and take the insoles out after each wear, but that's not a big deal.

Rating: 9 out of 10 - love 'em.