Deskdiary, 4.54 and 20.15 Being so modest, you must have considered the possibility that, at least among some, your points (your opinions) do not merit comment.
On your 1., the point you appear not to sense (miss) is that "Independence" is a statement in the context of the Union, not a philosophical/absolutist one. To give an example, true independence will certainly not befall the UK after 31.12.20 although that is a spiritual vision shared by many. Those advocating Scottish independence, Nicola Sturgeon in particular, have emphasized that they want a non-UK (independent) Scotland to widely participate in international co-operative ventures, starting with membership of the EU. The reverse of that is withdrawal from such ventures and that further defines the independence movement.
As the Brexit sentiment/outcome aptly demonstrates, in spite of in 2014 being urged/told to reject independence to ensure remaining in the EU, and in 2016 overwhelmingly voting to stay in the EU, Scotland has nevertheless left the EU. This is because, given the size differences in population, on any matter where opinions/desires north of the border differ from those south of the border, Scotland's are bound to be swept away as irrelevant (and that is not a metaphor for the views on Scotland/Scots of AB contributors). It is independence from that certainty which the discussion centres on when it comes to Scottish politics - a hard look at reality.
The rest of your points will be yawn inducing among those who don't want to trade blank assertions. For one (2.), the application process for EU membership is not a place-in-the-queue type - Turkey tried for years (decades ?) to join but several later applicants are already members.