I hiked in 2018, so verify all this:

1. You're talking about the week of lotto? I'm not sure because I was able to get permits. There was a chart online with how likely you were to get a spot based on specific days.

2. Probably not totally advised, but on the day I hiked, the marshall wasn't checking permits at the cables (maybe they showed up later in the day)

3. Crane Flat campground

4. Yeah, lots of parking at the trailhead because you'll be starting in the early hours of the morning before the tourists arrive.

Bring gloves for the cables!

Sometimes when I'm doing something physically demanding, I say to myself, "Well at least I'm not climbing Half Dome." It's a beautiful hike, but the distance plus starting the hike ~3am is exhausting. Some things on your bucket list should only be crossed off once.