I dont see the dilemma. If you want to keep it you can. There is nothing I see that says you cant. The only thing a tub requires is an overflow and a trap (most likely below the floor). Where the faucet currently is would be your overflow. The fact that the rough plumbing will be visible so it will have to look "nice". Probably doesn't have much experience with that so he recommends getting rid of it. Do some searching of finished claw foot tubs and you will see how it should be. The only real problem is if you are changing the flooring. That is a logistics pain because they have to move the tub, install half the floor, move the tub, install other half. Still doable. I suppose painting behind it can be difficult as well. Honestly I would wait to do the tub last and get everything else finished first. Another reason he probably want to get rid of it. Sounds like you should email This Old House, see if they can come out and do a segment on it and fix it up for ya. Not sure how it all works if you pay them or they do it for free, but I remember them doing a segment on pedestal sinks recently. And I have also seen a segment where they showed a company that reglazed old clawfoots for new use. So there is nothing wrong with your old tub if the finish is still ok.

I am a fabricator. Typical "granites" or quartz products should not be considered fragile in a kitchen environment. Any edge that doesn't have a sharp 90 degree radius at the top of the edge should be reasonably durable and resistant to chipping. There are some natural stones that chip more easily than others; your fabricator will know. All quartz products I've ever worked with are very resistant to chipping but more susceptible to heat damage as mentioned previously. We always put a 3/8" top radius on our sink cutouts as that is a very busy place. Regarding bullnose edges leading drips back to the cabinet; this is easily remedied by the fabricator by putting a shallow saw cut (essentially a shallow notch) on the underside of the overhand. Drips can follow the material but they stop at the notch which keeps the liquid from the cabinet face. A drip notch is common in Europe. Note: A competent fabricator can usually repair a chip, even a big one, such that the repair is hard to detect upon completion.

If you want a new decorative fixture, it will be part of the 2nd floor decor, so I'd go with Sina's selection. Otherwise, install a recessed wall washer to highlight a piece of art on the wall that has no light switch. Remember, it will be a feature of the 2nd floor living space.

I’m not sure there’s much you can do with the dark brown part of the fence, so if it was mine, I’d do the remaining to match the dark brown. It’s not an offensive color, it doesn’t look awful, it just wouldn’t be my first choice.