1 and 2 ... My option on the matter. it's not too good to mess with nature before you unstertand it fully and since the subject 'eats a potato, surfaced, together with US position on the same subject made me want to ask you, basically becouse you came up with the line and you usually provide quite good and well written answers.
3. Do I repeat myself?
4. It's the fastest way to knowledge. And not the kind of knowledge you are learning by reading, but knowledge from people, behavior and views.