1. yes
2. its best to use /msg $chan, since /say will send the message to the
$active window, and not necessarily the window you want.
1. (continue..) If it's an @Op related command, like swear kicks, flood kick, etc, I usually open a clone of myself and use the clone as bait :P It usually works. Clone detectors, however, are harder to test, but its doable

Hope this helps!
Zyzzy