ESAT - help me debunk myths!

Hi, I've got questions/ myths that I've heard that I'd like for people with ESAT experience last year to either confirm or debunk.
Preparation:
1. The test is super time pressured. Is it worth solving questions the 'straight forward way' and practicing solving questions under time pressure, or figuring out tricks and getting used to solving questions using them (e.g. using the MCQ answers to reverse the question, or using limits/ boundaries instead of solving the entire question)?
2. Resources - I've heard ExamNinja is pretty useless. I also purchased an ESAT guide off amazon which I felt wasn't very relevant. Are any non-official ESAT prep material actually useful?
3. Is it worth doing SMC, BPhO, AMC, PAT, TMUA to prepare, and if so how much % of my time shall I spend on it
The test:
1. There's apparently a gap between each section where you can take a short break. Does that apply to all students or was that for people with access arrangements?
2. Is the test booking competitive
3. How is the layout of the ESAT user interface? Does it have a basic calculator (+- etc) or did I mishear that?
I understand this is a lot but I'd really appreciate it even if you could answer one! Thank you.

Hi, I've got questions/ myths that I've heard that I'd like for people with ESAT experience last year to either confirm or debunk.
Preparation:
1. The test is super time pressured. Is it worth solving questions the 'straight forward way' and practicing solving questions under time pressure, or figuring out tricks and getting used to solving questions using them (e.g. using the MCQ answers to reverse the question, or using limits/ boundaries instead of solving the entire question)?
2. Resources - I've heard ExamNinja is pretty useless. I also purchased an ESAT guide off amazon which I felt wasn't very relevant. Are any non-official ESAT prep material actually useful?
3. Is it worth doing SMC, BPhO, AMC, PAT, TMUA to prepare, and if so how much % of my time shall I spend on it
The test:
1. There's apparently a gap between each section where you can take a short break. Does that apply to all students or was that for people with access arrangements?
2. Is the test booking competitive
3. How is the layout of the ESAT user interface? Does it have a basic calculator (+- etc) or did I mishear that?
I understand this is a lot but I'd really appreciate it even if you could answer one! Thank you.