A new board is on the way from Blackbird Pedalboards. Custom 15x30 with a road case. Should be here around Christmas. I'll post some pics and do a review when it comes in.
Most certainly. An effects loop let's you add effects to the repeats, and a expression pedal allows you to control the number of repeats/push to oscillation.
Same. I feel like lots of people on this site have storries like that, but all the musicians I've associated with have been Normal people about what gear we all play.