If not doing TOW, 8th is fine, but amongst friends WAP can be cool. Just tons of opportunity for to branch out beyond the published factions...
I think the only time to take pipes is in a truly large swarm that you intend to scout and have die anyway, and you just want as many poison shots...
Maybe so. But I feel 2-3 musicians in an army (in this case only 1) is worth the equivalent points in skinks just for that 20%. Banner always...