a) yes, everything
b) this is on my list of 'if all else fails' but as you know, networking is a bit like dating. it's a whole lot easier if you're not desperate ;)
You should absolutely be on a plane to SF. As you said yourself, this is your shot. Don't blow it by sitting at home wishing people would fly out to meet you.
100% agree. Fly to SF, knock down every door, connect with every twitter employee possible on Linkedin, and find out who you need to talk to.