This
On my HX I run the HPF first and everything else after. It cleans up the signal that hits every other patch afterwards.
For the other two in your rig, I would try both and see which you prefer.
Dunlop for me. Tried Schallers and one fell apart on me once at a gig - the little ball loosens over time and needs regular checking, whereas the Dunlops are always perfect!
I recently replaced a V Mod with a Lindy Fralin standard and the difference was night and day. I guess it depends what sound you're after but it seems like a good all rounder.
See also - Sadowsky. To my mind, their decision to take the above approach has diluted the quality of a brand which would once have had the same reputation as Fodera etc.