LOL you have like 30 questions in this one question, and the one question you asked, you practically answered. I would go with the WSOP. Mainly because of the price.
Also, because it will bring in a lot more newbs. I would definitely say the competition is lower there. A lot of on-line players can get sponsored to play in the WSOP.
Live poker is a lot different from on-line poker. Though I would avoid a very large event. Larger events are likely to draw in better players.
I would only play in the WPT after i've proven myself as a capable player. One thing I would also strongly consider is the average length of time for a tournament. I would rather pay a little more to play in a shorter tournament, than pay small bucks for a big prize in a huge tournament that would take many days.
I know my endurance is too low for that much poker.
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.