Stephen King, right? The first 'it' is the effort The second 'it' is worth So, 'if it was worth it' means - if the effort of doing something is equal to the worth or benefit that you receive. Example: I spent 2 hours cleaning my house, but I'm not sure it was worth it, as it still looks untidy! Hope this helps.

In the UK whatcha is also used as a slang replacement for hi.

1 & 2 are fine. 3 - No. You can skip bail, but you would not hear it used in the context of not paying a check - not in the UK anyway.

Yes sounds fine. Nowadays we can travel more easily than in other times. Nowadays we can communicate more easily than in other times. Etc.

Hello, Yes all have the same meaning – and would sound natural. I guess the only slight difference is in the context in which they are used, for instance if I had an argument with a friend I would not say “can’t we settle this privately?” I would say “can’t we work it out between us?” So in a way privately is slightly more formal and implies no one else should know - more private, more diplomatic. Hope this helps.