We debated this. It's turned off because people will often post something, get an answer, and then delete the thread. Our goal is to avoid that. If they can edit,...

Just tested on SQL 2016. Copyonly backup full + log from main db works fine.

You should be able to. The copy only backup merely prevents resets for the diff map. A normal restore chain should apply.

Playoffs, am I out of my misery now?

I'm not seeing it. Where is a missing bracket?

I am hesitant to include these unless they are used in other queries as well, but as Lynn mentioned, without more information, it's hard to make a good recommendation either...

I was just thinking a  test since this worked for someone else.

This sounds like an interview or homework question. If you are looking for details, why not use SSMS to get your replication details for the server?

In terms of...

I just have SQLPS.exe (and config)

SQLtoolsps or just SQLPS?