pretty sure it is that also explains the use of the unusual unbranded trailer as that must been where the chap was going to drive to before he realised that he could not drive a manual.
Not really manufacturers sometimes get independent garages to pick pre-production models but the facts are as one post says about the chap could not drive a manual that was suppose to drive it and just got his buddy to come with a trailer.
Chain guides also wear out cuaseing slackness again these normally come with the kits (the chain guides and the tensioner idler sprocket wear out before the chain)Also regular oil change is very important for the chain.
Yes all Chains strech over time the most important is check the chain occasionally for slackness once the chain starts getting slack replace it and the tenisor idler sprocket(OEM timeing chain kits are the best as they come everthing that needs to replaced to ensure reliability).
Yes definitely requireing a special tool to removes to make it harder to steal and it should mean no one will try and steal it as without the special tool you will probably cause damage to it.
I would rather have the clips they should will last for years even with abuse and cold weather.Zippers are just to prone to jameing up or breaking especially in cold weather.