This is a great overview!

One piece of advice that I got years ago (unfortunately I can't remember where!) fits into your discussion on scene endings: To make sure the scene's final emotion changed significantly from the scene beginning. For example, if things start off with hope, have the scene end in a tight spot for the character, and in the next sene change the emotion again. This builds even more suspense because the reader never really knows what to expect.

As a reader, I love a good unexpected revelation. Thanks for sharing!