Hey PO... I've played on Party since 2006 and yes to all your questions...
Party does freeze up a lot, but I've never been in a position to need a refund so I can't comment on timing of refunds.
I personally love playing the tournaments their, but they have just as many donks as all the other sites (which is good and bad).
As a micro player I've cashed out a few grand and I'm ready to withdrawal again, I'm so use to the software I think it's fine but I have heard complaints from new players.
Yes I do see the CC freeroll in the specials section and it piss's me off that I can't play in it.
They have 2 freerolls a night (For Canadians/South America) to satellite into a qualifier for the sunday 200K and the Million dollar tourney, but the best is the one that lab man showed. I believe in the PartyPoker store you can cash in 400 PPP for $10... I've used 460 PPP to win $266 plus 3 $70 seats (this year alone). They play monday, wednesday and friday.
GL if you do join.