1. Sheriam's finger was removed by Mesaana.

2. Sheriam was executed so nobody's checking anything.

I think most of her time was spent on preparation work, killing Anaiya/Kairen, killing the maids was used to secure her backstory and free up her path to Egwene. She couldn't have known she was about to be exposed, she believed she had plenty of time perform. Heck, even in the few short months she had the rebels terrified of an unknown assassin, not a bad accomplishment. She also tried to get a few proposals over the line that would continue to ensure division between TAS and SAS. Don't forget, her main authority figure to work through was a girl considered a child amyrlin by most of the sisters, as opposed to Mesaana who could work through Alivian/Elaida.

Any references in the book to helmets, armour or shields Perrin uses? He spends most of each battle fighting, it makes sense he'd use gear.

Bloody buttered onions!

The look of the Eyeless is fear

There are no endings. (probably the most suitable)

You know you're a WoT fan when you stay at a cheap hotel and don't mind the 30 year old "mirror of mists" on the wall.