2) That is an acceptable nego tactic if you can get it. And by all means you should go back and forth to get as many as possible. But after that you still want acceleration as the terms of your un-vested options are subject to change when ownership changes. Even if you stay with the new company.

4) True, this is just generic advice and usually by the 3rd round your % is going to be VERY low. But of course always consider actual % taking TSO into account.