I rarely use secondary in ales except in really string batches. But I travel a lot for work and I am gone for usually a few weeks to a month at a time and I use secondary a lot to condition the wort while I am gone and then I bottle it when I return. Secondary can be a very useful tool.
As long as you are not making a big flashy deal about it you should be fine. They are looking more for people manufacturing and selling large quantities. But again. I do not condone illegal activities. I am stationed in Kentucky myself
When you like a few of your recipes more than any other beer and when you no longer worry about anything in the brewing process because you know you can fix it or deal with it either way
All grain. It cost more getting the equiptment but you save in the long run. Buying ingredients in bulk helps. I can knock out good recipes for $20-$30 no problem
I enjoyed my visit to the brewery as well and sadley my glass from them has since broke. Jester king makes great beer. The brewery was like a hipster magnet though.