The words are the same. But each could have very different tone when spoken and perhaps other non-verbal communication such as raised eyebrows. You could use each to suggest John was getting married very soon, was gay, had a pregnant girlfriend or any number of other suggestions.

The words that vary in the 3 are all correct. But 'last orders' should be plural. I assume this is in the context of an English pub? In pubs you call last orders, not give them. A barman would call "last orders" at 2:50 to tell people the bar was due to close and then call "time" at 3pm to say that no more drinks would be served.

Looks good to me. You could also say 'I'm one of the few people who stood up to them.'

I've got to get a coffee to get gone.

A funnel is used when you pour liquid into a bottle to stop it spilling. The only funnel hat I can ever remember seeing is the one the tin-man wears in the Wizard of Oz: http://www.amazon.com/Funnel-Hat-For-Costume/dp/B00U9AKGA0 So I don't know what a funnel hat lamp is. I've never heard of one.

A bit of a heavy text. It basically says people do not like working. Perhaps it would help if you ask more specific questions.

It would depend on the context. Probably most of the time it would not alter the meaning, and everyone would understand. Personally I would use 'throughout' more often. But: 1) I learned to drive throughout the week 2) I learned to drive over the week. 1) I was learning to drive during the week. 2) implies that I learned and finished learning - possibly by passing the driving test at the end of the week.

1) This phrase says the lawyer ran away without receiving payment. It should be "without paying for his meal"