Here's a trick: Move your phone camera slightly closer than you want, tap to auto-focus on the area behind whatever detail you are wanting to photograph, then move the camera back slowly until the detail comes into focus.

Glass nail file would definitely work, I also use a nail buffing sponge to clean up the plastic. I hate nub cleanup as well, but there's no real way to get around it.

I love this classic anime style, gives me OG Gundam vibes

I've read that Tamiya's panel liner can cause cracking on gunpla, have you had any issues?

I like Army Painters Warpaints for this reason. Cheap, and still very good for regular miniature painting.

HGs are fun, but at least they're cheap. When you have a backlog of 30 MGs you've officially lost it.