Dealing with the crowds...Not everyone has the extra time but I'll set up just a bit before the others.
I like to do the same, I usually try to get to a spot at the very least 1-2 hours before sunset.
When I'm not cutting in on top of everyone and dropping in between other people's traps, I'm usually good to go. I'll hang near my traps while others are setting up. This is a good time to check in with the buggers on both sides of your set. Most are trying to be cool with their neighbors. I can't help you with the Ass Holes. My compadres know that I will go bonkers when people are dicks and even then, it usually doesn't help with that kind.
I like to do the same, I'll stay close to my traps especially when there's divers around and speaking from experience I agree with your last two sentences 
As much as I used to think bait was all about using salmon heads for best results...it's not. It can be pricey (cost is relative) AND I came to the conclusion the dogs stick around a bit longer and work harder if salmon is around...
Salmon is my go to bait and in my six+ years of bugging I can count the number of times that I've been raped by those pescy dogs on one hand. One thing that I can definitely recommend is to bring a burlap sack or any other sack and a sabiki, sometimes the macs are so thick you can make enough bait for quite a few trips.
Keep two bug measuring gauges. "The Man" is unforgiving if you don't have a gauge when checked (even if you lost it).
this is one of the best suggestions ever!!! I carry one in my PFD(in case of emergency) and another one leashed to my kayak.
If Mr. Dog is around, I'll run my traps in the dark (lights off) and move away from my set (close enough to police them if needed). I'll even hangout near someone else's traps (which aren't being monitored) to lure the seal(s) away from mine...
I told a few of the guys about this last season and no one seemed to believe me. If you ever get a chance pay attention to the dogs when they come up for air, they will get as close to a lighted bouy as possible and drop straight down, the light is telling them HERE I AM
Adding some D.O.T. reflector tape to your floats can really help locate your traps when you swing your light around...
Also add tape to your kayak
If a dog is around, I'll hold up on dropping my trap(s) until he's gone. I've had them follow me for up to 15 minutes but I know they'll eventually leave. Once they taste your bait, it could hang around searching for your other traps.
I have a cheapy Everyready light for something a bit more than just my headlamp. Like $5.00 at Home Depot or elsewhere. It's water resistant and helps alert an oncoming boat, ship or freighter...
I got tired or replacing flash lights and those cheap home depot headlamps so I invested in a quality waterproof headlamp, I got it on sale and used a coupon, total price out the door was under $25.
http://www.rei.com/product/814301/bl...storm-headlamp
I'm a Promar light guy. I'll add a few layers of Teflon to completely seal them from water. The grease they use will eventually dry up and water will penetrate. I've got some lights going on my third season if I change out the batteries.
thanks for the idea, i will be doing this to my promar lights before my first trip. I also heard that vaseline works really well as a sealant, if you need any Matt has jars of it
Hope this helps. Be safe. Good luck to everyone. Jim