No. You would need WP or above status for arrivals access except for red-eye (i.e. overnight transcontinental flights).
Pretty unlikely, if you were let in I'd say they weren't paying full attention or were being generous.
That's correct.
Unfortunately there isn't an exemption in the lounge access rules for that scenario.
My advice would be to check the "I'm in the QF Lounge" thread on the day and see if anyone is able to guest you in. Or if it's next Friday morning/evening I could guest you myself!
I thought as much, thank you both for your responses!