My burning questions for 3.26

Very hyped for the new league, but I am still left with some questions after the reveal.

1. Are splinters from both monsters and hands dropped after the breach closes or only monsters?

2. Since Kingsmarch is not the main focus, how much did the wages of the workers at rank drop compared to previous rank 10? I've never set up map running, since the wages were too high.

3. Do we still get gold equal to the ore found in areas or not (previous max mines)?

4. Do Allflames really only drop from Mastermind? If yes, then I do not understand why Mark said in the video "we are curious to see how you will mix and match scarabs and Allflames", due to their scarcity compared to Scarabs (no T16.5/T17 farming, only from boss). Seems like it would be better to give small chance for them to drop from Safehouse Leaders.

5. If I understand it correctly, if I set-up a really nice Betrayal board, I can then just buy and farm Mastermind on repeat and get all the Safehouse rewards with each run?

6. Did the method for obtaining Watchstone change to the new bosses or does it remain the same?

7. Are memory strands considered an influence (causing limitations for other influences on the same item)? If so, does the influence stay once the memory strands are depleted?

8. Is the maximum level of a Merc 100 same as us or it it tied to maximum zone level? Can I find a Merc of higher level than the zone he/she is in?

9. Mercs do not appear to have visible stats, so Item stat requirements likely do not apply. But item level requirement do, right?

10. Since the Mercs have a sort of passive tree in the background, do the use keystones? Would we be able to see if they do? Mainly the ones like Resolute Technique, Elemental Equilibrium, Ghost Dance, Conduit, CI.

11. Mercs are not Minions, they count as allies, but are they Party members? (for the likes of Conduit)

12. You cannot select support gems of the Merc as reward, right? Since they also have some special ones.

13. The Trathan Item mods - since it is not considered an influence then I guess it is difficult to find a usefull item and crafting them would be the same level of obtuse like Warband items. Do we just gather them for the new Recombinator?

14. If the Gem on which the Trarthan Gem is based has a Vaal version, can we get a Vaal Trarthan Gem by using a Vall orb or Temple?

Thanks anyone who can answer any of the questions I have.