[Is it legal to sell factory second Epiphones? Filed off serial numbers?]

I recently bought an Epiphone off of someone on Facebook Marketplace. I didn't notice the USED stamp on top of the headstock and the last three serial numbers filed off until I got home. The guitar itself has a lot of cosmetic issues, but overall it is okay. I did some research online and it looks like it was a factory second that was sold through pawn shops. 

I am considering selling it, but I am not sure if I'm allowed to since the last three serial numbers are scratched off. Will stores refuse to take it? 

[Do Gibson P94s sound like this? If not, what's a good alternative?]

 

I really like the way this neck pickup sounds. It really reminds me of SRV's neck pickup tone. I believe the website for these pickups say it's around 8k - 8.5k, and the Gibson P94 is a bit hotter at 9k. So far going off of Youtube videos of the Gibson P94, it doesn't seem like it sounds like the Diliberto P94. 

[Putting a single coil in a humbucker slot. Pole pieces won't line up with strings?]

I have an Epiphone Phant-O-Matic that I'd like to put a Lace Sensor Emerald in the neck. The thing is that the Emerald is going to be Strat sized, so the pole pieces won't line up with the strings, unless I use a slanted adapter ring. How much of a difference will it make if I use a slanted adapter ring? Also, what if I choose to leave it straight and not lined up, will there be any issues? 

[Do I need to loosen my strings when adjusting a TOM bridge?]

1 hour ago, duane v said:

If you can spin it with full string tension with your fingers then yes..... But if the screwdriver blade slips off there's a good chance you could put a nice gouge in the finish.

I loosen the strings and use my fingers

What if I can't spin it with my fingers until full string tension, but it spins with a screwdriver? Is that ok? 

[Do I need to loosen my strings when adjusting a TOM bridge?]

I have an Epiphone dot that has a tune-o-matic bridge. The thumbwheel has a slot for a flathead screwdriver, which I've been using to lower and raise the bridge with full string tension. Is this fine, or should I loosen the strings first? The Epiphone manual mentions nothing about loosening the strings.