1) Like I said ... I wouldn't say ramping up is better or worse than straight weight but you have to have a way to compare your results week to week and month to month. If you think you can do it then pick either one.

2) Find a way. Do deadlifts.

3) I think gaining less and less muscle would have more to do with your training than your body "getting used to bulking. I don't think there is anything wrong with bulking more than 2x a year. Seems like a random BS number pulled out of a hat to me.

4) If you can see your abs I would bet quite a bit of money that you are much less than 20%. Well defined 6 pack abs is usually in the <10% range.

Good luck.

IW