You're right about the cherry. After a weekend with that stuff I was ready for something else. Tried tangerine and it was sickening. Finally settled on grape. It smeels good and I don't get tired of it.
As far as the fuel thingy goes...if you've taken care to keep it sealed, and it sounds like you have, then run it. If it pops bangs and sputters then you might look at fresh stuff but I have used a drum in the spring that I bought the previous spring and had no problems. As far as the lube, don't sweat it. You might see just a hint of smoke if it's lubed heavy but it's no big deal unless you're running scads of timing but where you're at you'll be fine.
And just in case you forgot...5.75!!
George