Perhaps you flicker something like Quantum Riddler or Novice Inspector for value, or you kill an opposing token, or just remove a blocker so you can attack for lethal
If the copied creature was copying something else, then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that creature copied, with the exceptions noted above
A card's mana value doesnt change if you cast it with alternative or additional costs
Questing with Tamatoa not only gets you two lore, but allows you to play an item from your hand for free
If the binder is mostly staying inside, or not holding very valuable cards, you probably wont have much need for a zipper, but if the binder will be frequently bouncing around a backpack, or holds more valuable pieces of your collection, a zipper may be in order.
In reality, its much more like Inner-Flame Acolyte, though the difference between two damage and three damage is a big one