Was it due to "Regulation" ? Of course it was. But they are probably not allowed to admit this.
It is sad to see a very promising project getting shut down.

https://www.blockchain.us/kyc-aml-the-biggest-scam-in-the-crypto-world/

It’s impossible to measure how much the KYC / AML rules cost us. We will never know how many innovative products and solutions have been destroyed in the bud because they did not or could not afford the current compliance regime.

Considering the different habits of everyone, I feel that the existing wallets can be directly integrated with the hardware wallet. That way the user's choice is more free. There is no need to develop a new wallet separately.

Agreed.

The split is a political move to propagate segwit. The goal is, to make it appear to you as if the two possible choices are Segwit or the BCH hardfork, which in the end will lead to people congregating at segwit because they don't want to invest in a spin-off.

There are lots of USDT on the order books but they can't be deposited or withdrawn right now.
When will the deposit/withdrawal service be resumed?

Edit: I eventually found the related news. https://blog.openledger.info/2017/07/25/openledger-exchange-news-omni-btc-gateways-will-be-turned-off/

I think 30/30/10/30 or 25/25/10/40 allocation is good.

And since the pre-sale will be built into the genesis block of a blockchain, It has to be a rather stable satoshi-style coin with large market cap - such as BTC or perhaps LTC - everything else (BitUSD / DOGE / etc.) will create unnecessary trouble - so let's stick with Bitcoin here.

I suppose, late investors can still buy Notes on BTER after the launch.

Disclaimer: I'm PTS holder but plan to join the pre-sale, too.