From the pics it looks like some normal weather checking to me and not a cause for concern. Unless the car handles a bit odd, irregular tire wear, or the wheels are somewhat loose because of it.
No idea what type of noise you are referring to. Sway bar bushings and so on may creak, squeak, or groan when the front end dives under braking. Brakes are a different issue.
Would it be cheaper to just buy a monkey and have it do the work?
Normal wear and tear has nothing to do with a ‘Japanese car myth’. I don’t think any reasonable person claims they’re perfect.
You made an obvious jab, and didn’t understand the reply? Really?
If you remove motor mounts it could take a bit of effort.
Always get a second (or third) opinion/estimate for expensive car work. The dealer is generally always your most expensive option; I use it as an extreme outlier myself, though sometimes you get surprised.
+1
My local mechanic’s shop (run by the same family for 75 years!) usually charges ~30% less than a dealership, and on one occasion they repaired my friend’s car for ~50% less than the dealer’s estimate.