Right, dimmers need to be solid state because they vary the output voltage. Only switches can use an inexpensive on/off relay.

It's probably the switch wiring that's different than you expect (the most common is no neutral because it's power through fixture). There shouldn't be anything special about a fixture with pull...

It's normal, the clicking is an internal relay that connects/disconnects the switch's line in wire to the load out wire.

I doubt it, but many routers allow you to set an alias based on MAC.

Sounds broken to me. You might want to contact TP Link support directly to see if they're replace it.

@AceDude You can put a dimmer between the smart plug and the lamp, but you probably can't put a dimmer between the wall power and the smart plug - most wifi devices will operate poorly on anything...