Isix, I believe that this post should have been placed in the mist thread. Nevertheless, I will try to answer a few, just a few of your questions (and if I know myself, I will end up with more questions lol).
I do not think it is only a popular belief that the bead gave Elend its powers. Analysis of the text are, to me and to many, quite evident. If the bead that Vin gave Elend was pewter, Vin would have recognized it for what it is. She did not know that metal. That takes care of that question, I think. Elend found pewter when Vin gave him her vial to help him swallow the bead. In MB1 you will find much on the fact of snapping and if you read again this thread, you will even find quotes.
The only thing that is certain about the Mist Spirit is that it can use allomancy, not transmit it. The mist seems also to be agreeing with the allomancers, supporting and giving comfort, but is being repelled by those having hemalurgy modification (i.e. Inquisitors, Zane and Vin).
Would everybody agree on this ?