Again depends on the operating environment/location & the event. You're going to do pretty much what's competitive and that you can support.

Houses are pretty necessary in most places. A legitimate facility tends to bump numbers up about 25% on average, sometimes a lot more depending on the situation. Not having a competitive facility when that is the standard can within a few years put a chapter at numbers that have it fighting for scraps and struggling to stay on campus. If no one has a house (at least a decent one), then that's the standard and you can get away with it. But, you money ends up going to those out-sourcing costs at many times the price.

No shit, it was an offhand side comment. It just has the benefit of not making your home smell like stale beer, cigarettes, and vomit.

FYP. Is Love Spell still the thing or is it something new?

Haven't the foggiest idea.

Bring up the facts that were introduced in this thread.

I'm a smoker, but I would vote against smoking in-house. Explain that it's turning people away and suggest that smokers step outside in small groups. It's an addiction, but I'm sure there are very few people who MUST SMOKE NOW whenever there's an event.

I'm surprised that this is a bylaw in the first place, but the only thing you can do is present your case and hope that you have people backing you.

Good luck.