I'm more concerned that anything that isn't matte will show the unevenness in the wall that you talk about and make it stand out. I've had this argument with DH and the architect over the years and I've folded and gone with matte for the very reasons they state....no lap marks, reduces the impact of imperfections in the walls.... The only way I know to avoid lap marks is to paint it once and paint it well...it's when you go back over stuff to catch those areas where it's thin or didn't cover completely that you really see the sheen build up and it shows. I don't see a pic of the room.

You could leave the drywall, but you should have access to the newly created attic over the kitchen, so at least a hatch or opening in the wall would be necessary. Also don't forget about ventilation of your new attic space! In that regard, opening more of the drywall would help, especially up high, (assuming adjacent existing attic is properly vented). Otherwise you'll need to add venting to outside.

Nicki, we have those Seagull splicers on 2 of our chandeliers. One is high and one is just plain heavy, so to change it out would require some kind of sawhorse deal (on top of the dining room table) to rest it on while we disconnect the wires. The splicers work very well and are available in clear, gold and black (when I bought mine, anyway). Also the two halfs just "unplug" if you need to disconnect in future... Whatever you decide to do, don't fear the scaffolding! :) We rented from home depot. It was very reasonable, it fit in the minivan, and it was easy to put together. I have climbed a ladder to my 16(?) 20(?) whatever foot ceilings to hang drapes, but the scaffolding was MUCH steadier and easier since we could paint a large section at once before we had to move it. Your next light should be led bulbs so you don't have to change them so often...if you get a dimmer, you will need one specifically for LED's. Also, it's a shame you don't like that one. I think is smashing. Although I would want it in an easily accessible area as crystal has to be cleaned more than once a year :-/

First, we need to address the utility part of the lighting. for example is your kitchen underlit at night? Do you read in your living room, have floor lamps? Lastly, I don't see electrical in your dining area have you established you can get it there? Oh and why are there two hanging lights in the entry? HMMM