re: # 3..Meet The Neighbours: Valid question.
Hmm, just thinking... :)
Our odds at finding intelligent-transient life may be better if we use the hopscotch method. True, it would take a long time, but if they're not there near by... use whatever resources available along the way and then keep going. Huge task, great adventure.
Unfortunately, even if you go by trying to find artificial radio waves, it takes a very long time. From where we are, we're it. So far.