It's taking shape nicely !

1)Lone Pine to Vegas via Death valley is a good day on the road.

2)Lone Pine is a nice spot to stay, giving you time to enjoy the meadows, Mono Lake and Mammoth etc on route. Furnace Creek is an option but DV is very hot in summer.

3) Either option will work. Mt Carmel to Bryce canyon is about 90mins and then 3 hours to Page.

4] CA1 should be fine.