This may be a boneheaded idea, but we have this fireplace insert (Lopi Revere, used 4 winters) and I am considering moving it to a new location. The problem: The new location would have to be built first (no fireplace). My question is, by the time I frame an alcove, line it with firebrick and bring it up to snuff to make sure my house won't burn down, will I be better off selling the insert and buy a freestanding stove? Thanks for any guidance!

A fireplace is the fire box and surround. The fire box is the box portion of the fireplace where the fire actually burns. An insert is a stand alone unit that gets placed inside the fire box. IMO - I always like a fully vented fireplace (rated to burn wood with a gas line plumbed into it). This will give you maximum flexibility to change what products you put into the fireplace anytime you want.

Is it safe to have a gel fuel log set inside a stone/mason fireplace that is surrounded by wood? Instead of making a metal insert for this wood fireplace surround, I could easily make a masonry insert. I'm just not sure if the masonry would get hot and burn and of the wood.

Look into cultured stone