Ripping CD's

+1 for EAC for BOTH ripping & burning.  My experience with new discs is over 99% of new discs rip perfectly with EAC.  With used, it's still 90+%.  I mostly just rip, but over the years have probably burned over a hundred discs with no problems.

If you're hard on CDs, you may end up wanting to spend a few bucks on dbpoweramp, which uses the same ripping software but has a better interface for dealing with tricky discs.

I think it's likely the documentation is better on the paid product, but trial & error will get you there.  I rip the disc & save the cue file in the same folder.  If you move the folder, you have to change the cue file (it's a text file - Notepad comes with Windows, no idea on iOS)

I believe that any program will do for writing. CDP adjusts laser power on special training track. Reading is more difficult. Advantage of ripping program over CDP playback is, that it can go over each sector multiple times (CDP reading in real time cannot do this).

As for honesty (I try to be), you need to have one copy that paid royalties to artists’ fund (RIAA) - for home use only. Technically you can copy your CD onto Audio CD-R (that paid royalties) and sell CD.  If you use server (copy to HD) you need to have one legal copy at home (that paid royalties - like Audio CD-R).  Reel to reel was free and legal, since manufacturers of tape paid tiny amount to RIAA per foot of sold tape.

I like CD Burner XP

Flac Files from Nugs has never sounded so good for me!

A system I’ve been using for over 20 years is using a CD recorder – an HHB machine out of the UK. I don’t think they make them anymore but I see used ones on E-Bay.  The thing is that it is a pro-audio machine so that copyright features can be defeated.  If you check pro-audio sources like Sweetwater, you’ll find CD recorders with the most recent technology.  Like you, I only use it for personal use. I like to make copies of  discs for my car or compliation discs copying only the tracks that I like from a commercially purchased CD.   The sound quality of the copy is just as good as the original. Old school but it’s fun for me.

For tagging rips I've found MP3 Tag second to none. It doesn't add additional folders to your rips and you can use MusicBrainz for free and Discogs too if you register for free.

MP3 Tag is especially useful if you have an Aurender (or similar) because you can rename and re-configure rips on your SSDs.

Only 4 clicks to tag using MP3 Tag.