1: I don't know if you qualify but look into leoadventures. If you don't, definitely check the classifieds and look around as
@Plebe said. Camofire runs some decent deals at times.
2: I agree with him, 35-40 as a high I'm thinking more about the fanatic than the stratus but I consider my walk, wind, etc too. That being said, I run warmer in the legs than my upper body so I could still get away with stratus pants/bibs at that temp with good layers underneath
3: My mid/late season setup is: stratus pant, fanatic bib, celsius midi jacket, stratus jacket, along with various layers underneath. The bibs get the least use but are the bomb when needed. I'd imagine you could get more use out of them where you live. I wear stratus pants from like highs in the mid-upper 50s with no layers to lows in the upper 20s with layers. The midi jacket is great when there's no wind and insanely comfortable. Perfect when things start to get chilly. Stratus is nice when there is wind. When it gets colder and windier, I just wear the stratus over the midi. I think it gets me to about the level of wearing a fanatic just without the great pocket. I've got about $750 into those 4 pieces.