About Q#2, I worked as a CFI at KVUO in Vancouver, WA. You may not depart IFR on runway 26 because of towers and a bridge in the departure path for 26. ATC tells you this on the ground, just to make sure you know. But as you said, if conditions permit, you may depart VFR and pick up your clearance in the air, or simply be responsible for your own obstacle clearance after picking up your clearance on the ground - and they'll make that very clear. Sorry for the quick response, too busy right now to look up a reg.