1/. If the ILS was serviceable, yes, it was on. They don't just turn it off for no good reason.
2/. Approach lighting is set to an appropriate level for the prevailing conditions. If they are set to high and the vis is good, it can be distracting.
3/. In modern aircraft we don't "tune the ILS." That happens automatically. If they were going to land on 28R and the localizer was operating, I have no doubt that it was displayed in the cockpit. Being able to include that information in your scan when you are landing at 140 kias visually at night at 3 am against a confusing background is another thing altogether.
Good job to all those involved for averting what could have been a disaster.