They've done this at 191st before. It upsets me too, but it likely won't be long before the artists reclaim it again.

I've seen it, but not nearly as often as OP seems to. Often people will stink of weed but not be actively smoking, but it's rare for me to see anyone lighting up on the train (and when it happens it's usually cigarettes). Most people just respect that it's fuckin rude to smoke in an enclosed space with people. I HAVE walked into a subway car where people were fully attempting to hotbox, like, twice in my 10yrs here.

What OP really needs to worry about is ear protection! The subway is so loud that commuting regularly without protection will do long-term damage to your hearing. (I don't worry too much about it myself, but OP seems in the mood to worry about things.)

You can and should still write up a sublease agreement. Anything with at least the monthly rent and both people's signatures. Way too easy to screw each other over without it.

Co-op boards can reject you for any reason or no reason, so nobody but them will know for sure. With your situation, they MIGHT have an issue with your name on the property if you don't live there, but hopefully they'll be understanding.

It's worth a shot. Make sure your contract has a contingency so you get your deposit back if they do reject you, and then worst case scenario all you've lost is some time.

Sometimes being kind is allowing someone privacy, instead of roping them into an awkward interaction with a stranger when they're already having a bad time.

Don't fuckin hug me, bro.