2. If you are willing to spend enough time, there is no need to retain a lawyer unless the judge recommends due to your lack of experience in court procedures, if you go that far;
3. Yes CIS is playing tougher these days for WOM cases but unless you are that unlucky to get a notorious judge who ruled against plaintiffs consistently in the past, you always have a fair chance; -- BIOINFO can provide you more information on that;
4. NC length is case by case, and no guarantee in any time frame but at least would be faster if there is a court order to force them.
Good luck and please fight as a real fighter, for the sake of yourself and other people in the same boat.