Vibrams are a good choice, but I've had better luck with Vivobarefoot. They offer a more natural stride and are comfortable right out of the box. Easing into it with shorter runs is key, I agree. I also found that strengthening my ankles and calves helped with the transition. Don't expect it to be easy, but it's worth it in the end.
I've been foam rolling for a while now, and I think the key is to be consistent. Don't just do it when you're feeling sore, make it a regular part of your routine. I focus on my glutes and lower back, as those areas tend to get tight for me. Remember to breathe through the discomfort, and don't roll over bony areas. Also, don't expect it to be a magic cure, it's just one part of the recovery process.
I taper by reducing frequency, not intensity. Keep the quality high, just less often. And yeah, it's boring, but that's what Netflix is for.
Silver medals are still a huge achievement, let's not be too harsh on our athletes.