Actually, the only disciple it says Jesus loved is Lazarus. But there are 3 different Greek words for love. Don't make me open my Bible….;)
You stretch. Just because John wrote the book doesn't mean "the disciple whom Jesus loved" was him. Read what's written is the first key.
That was my take.
Yes, a good time to lay off them. For a bit.
They will have to increase the tax on binkies to make up for the shortfall.
That is not stacking the courts. Stacking the courts is adding 3 more seats to the court then picking your favorites. Like Obama did. POTUS filling vacant seats is quite constitutional.