Answer 1

a. there's no reason for this map to not have checkpoints, there's even completely obvious places in the level to put them.
b. if the map had checkpoints i would've noticed the almost completely invisible wolf in practice instead of dying and having to do it all again.

Answer 2

Your bitterness lasts forever.

Also had no issues seeing said wolf.

Answer 3

you literally cannot see the wolf from the ground though.  I think you see his platform but thats it.  On my first playthrough i stopped and then assumed i was to go down.

Answer 4

what wolf