In my operation, we must back up all visual approaches with an IAP. Most of the time, this will be (in order of preference) ILS, RNAV, VOR etc. Is there ever a good reason you would not load an ILS for backup guidance?
Certain aircraft will autotune the ILS for you when selecting the VFR procedure, and nothing prohibits you from tuning it yourself to either the ILS or VOR. The procedure you are authorized for, though, is the visual, not the ILS, RNAV or VOR. Would you fly the ILS procedure when cleared for the VOR?
Firstly, I think I would be less likely to find opposite direction tfc on a departure path during a GA.
Depends on the airport, regardless, all regulatory guidance points you to ask ATC for instructions.
Secondly, light gun signals are difficult to see under the best of conditions. At my shop, after a GA, we have three checklists to run. One being particularly long. On downwind at 1500ft and ~180kt trying to get everything set up and looking out for traffic, I can guarantee you that I probably will miss the light gun.
Sounds more like your shop needs to not inundate the crew with tasks after a simple GA. A proposed change / safety form filed with the offending checklists would be appropriate, task saturation during a sequence of events similar to a takeoff sounds a bit ridiculous.
Furthermore, if you have multiple failures I wouldn't be worried about completing every checklist when I'm directly overhead an airfield. Go around and land.