When viewmodels should be "cleaned up" depends on your application and viewmodels usage. For example, I work on application with tabbed interface. When user closes tab application calls cleanup on viewmodel representing that tab (which itself goes through its viewmodels and calls cleanup on them as well).
So the general rule - as soon as you don't need viewmodel anymore - you should cleanup it (closing child window, tab, etc.) As for the other questions.
I've not used the Messenger in MVVM-Light so I do not know if there is an inherent way to cleanup. Here are some general answers to these questions.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.