every time i want to go to a shop i have to travel an hour and a half and then when i want to go airsofting i have to get up at 5:30 to get going by 6:30 to get to the site at 8/8:30 i feel your pain!
Statistically motorways are the safest place to drive... Anyway, that's her choice. However, I know that many people at The Fort would welcome new players!
It's good to go with a mate on the bus to a game since It's often pretty awkward if you're alone and deck'd out in gear. I've gotten used to the weird looks now and the bus ride is only about 20 minutes long so It's not that painful.
I have gotten stopped by the police once while driving to my local site. I explained that me and the 3 others in the car were going airsofting, and the fuzz seemed cool enough about it.
As far as I know yeah you should have a case. Always make sure I have one anyway, makes it easier to transport if anything. Shows you're being responsible say if you do hey stopped it's better in a case than suspiciously underneath stuff in a towel or summut. Sounds exactly like my mum too.