I've had no issues with pedalpcb's jfet buffer boards. They have all worked great. Like you said, they are intended to be used in conjuction with effects boards that have power filtering.
I've found the 680n/470n debate moot. It makes little, if any difference. The 680p in the tone stack is probably the one that makes the most difference, I've found 100n to be just about right, and sounds most like the original.
I HIGHLY recommend. Might socket C7, I found 100n much more to my liking. That 680p just doesn't feel right. Fuzz on full, volume all the way down, ahhhh beautiful!
YMMV, but I've never felt like I needed that on mine, at least the ways I've used it.(before/after fuzz, pushing front of amp, cocked wah) It is definitely a useful pedal after the learning how to dial it in!
You know, I had an order from Tayda come in the other day, and 2 of the pots I've checked so far were VERY stiff (Tayda branded) until the grease got spread around good on the inside.
I very seriously doubt you will have much of a problem with noise, along as the box is grounded. Signals and voltages in those circuits are small, and consume relatively little current. Interference from outside will be the consideration. Not to say the circuits as designed and built can't be...
I've never had a problem with Tayda over anything. All their ic's have been great up until 5 minutes ago. Had a PT2399 not pass signal, right out of the foam. For as much as I've used them, that's a great record!👍
It's probably working correctly if it sounds fine. D1 and D2 may light up, D3 and D4 may not. Removing one of the leds would have little effect on the perceived sound.