I'll admit Glen, I have never "passed" the HHT with any of my razors, all of which have been pro-honed thus far.
1. That should tell you quite a bit
They still shaved very well.
2. Ah Ha !!!!
I have seen it said many times a razor must "pass the HHT test" to properly shave.
3. Total BS, you already know that to be untrue
I have never even touched a DE blade, so I can't answer your question regarding it, unfortunately.
4. Go buy a cheap pack of Persona's at Wally World and try all the tests with a fresh edge and get a base for everything the TNT, TPT, AHT, HHT, etc: etc: