I've done two kitchens and put flooring in first, going beyond line of kickplates and gables. Reason was faster as didnt have to cut tight to all the gables etc where you don't use baseboard. Just my preference. Does mean you have to protect floor for tile bcksplash etc but I use building paper and tape it down till everything is finished anyway.

The last bathroom I tiled over tile, I just scrubbed the tile well then tiled over. It is in one of my rental units. It has held up all well for nearly 6 years so far. Not necessarily recommending just giving that experience. Cost was a issue.

Gotta say, I know where your wife is coming from, it's kinda plug ugly, just stuck in corner like a pimple on your backside. That said, I would keep for timebeing and later conside taking down all the surround and mantle and then build it into floor to ceiling feature wall. Think it would turn a boring room into a pleasant den. I think it would addvalue to your house.

I guess, but I'm an old timer DIY and done more copper plumbing than Starbucks got latte and think I have had one leak in 55 odd years, and that my own stupid fault, so think I'll stick my ancient plumbing torch :).

A while back I repaired a leaking connection on my daughter's shower using sharkbite and closed up the wall and retiled. Was super pleased to find how easy these type of fitting are. Since then, I'm hearing a lot of anecdotal info about their unreliability including from plumbers. I now have this nagging worry.

I sure agree with your measure twice! Imagine the manufacturers liability (particularly in the US) if they recommended and relied on the upper cab which already may be loaded to fully support that appliance. And only God knows how securely it may be attached. If that whole thing came crashing down on you and your stove. Heavons to humpy dumpy!

You are absolutely incorrect. I don't know the percentage but most of the weight and my guess is ar least 75%, is on the plate the back. In my renos I have installed about 10 of these and you bust your back getting it up and onto lip on the back plate and then one hand easily holds it while you thread the bolts down. BTW, I would go with the 2 x 8 across the back. Better safe.

For Gd's sake, if you value your fingers or if you don't want to risk the tube kicking and flying around, then go buy a longer tube. Just not worth it.

Heat tracing wire wrap. Amazon, Lowes, Home Despot. You will need power source though.