1. No! No! No! The only thing I remember from getting my MBA was, "A degree in business is a degree in nothing." Truer words were never spoken. Get into programming now. Do you really want to be Dilbert's PHB?
2. Never ever ever ever lie. About anything. To anyone. Ever. Enough said.
3. Titles are titular. In other words, meaningless. What you do matters. That's what other smart people will want to know about.
4. No! No! No! You have too much "education" already. Also see #1 above.
5. Your demonstrated performance (what you accomplish) establishes your reputation. Everything else is a smokescreen.
6. Gross generalization. For good hackers, everything is everywhere, with some things more concentrated in some places than others. Either pick where you want to live and find the best job there or find the best job anywhere and move there.
7. Being part of a large institution is the last thing I would want today. Too much small, smart, and nimble is happening now. Do you really want to take a chance at getting pigeon-holed for the next 10 years?
8. I have worked at 4 software companies, 0 hardware companies, and 83 everyplace elses. The worst 4 gigs were the software companies, by far. Imagine sitting in a cubicle for the next 18 months working on your 1.2% of Release 2.3.0.4. Hand me a razor blade please. "Everyplace else" is where "everything else" is happening.
8. Agreed. The best answer for you could be very different from everyone else.
9. There are many kinds of "rich" beyond money. One of the most important is doing what you love every day. You don't have to "believe" anyone, but listen and go with your gut.
Good luck!