I need an up to date comparison of London’s Oyster card vs Travel card.

I also need some London Pass advice.

I will be arriving H’Row mid-morning on Sunday Sept 22nd. My hotel is near the British Museum. Current plans are to take the Picadilly tube line in from the airport. Unless someone can offer a better option? Mon, Tues, Weds will be spent visiting the sites of London. Monday I plan to do a HO/HO bus for at least part of the day. So will I need tube travel?? Thursday is a day trip to Stratford & Cotswalds via bus so no travel card needed. Friday I take Eurostar to Paris. Pretty Obvious this is our 1st trip to London.

So here are my basic questions…

#1 Should I consider getting an Oyster card pre-trip to have it ready for the trip in from airport? Or should I just buy Oyster card then or maybe even just pay cash fare for the trip from airport to hotel?

#2 The 3 day Travelcards have been dropped. So if I went with a Travelcard should I buy a 7 day card at a rail station (Euston?) so I could get the 2 for 1 deal? Many of the things I will be doing will be free so I’m still studying this option. Can I buy 1 day travel cards for the 3 days (M,T,W) I would need them with 1 trip to rail station?

#3 The Travelcards are paper vs Plastic Electronic Oyster Card. Bottomline is the Oyster card easier to use? I know stateside the EZ Pass system is far easier & faster than a paper toll ticket. Other than the 2 for 1 deal the actual costs appear similar so should I pick the most convenient?

#4 Do the Oyster Cards sold to visitors ahead of time have the ability to cash out any unused balance? I believe I read some do not cash out? Can cash out be done electronically after my trip?

#5 The London Pass. Some sing its praise others see it as over priced. I’ll figure out the ‘savings’ potential on my own. I’m thinking my savings might be minimal based on places I plan to visit. BUT the London Pass says it has rapid entry, no line at some of the attractions. EX: Tower of London. Is this a perk I might like? We are a retired couple visiting in late September. Long lines would be difficult for us. But will there be the same long lines one might see in July or August? I would think not.

Thank you & your suggestions are always welcome.