Also if a bath mat is used, the suction cups on the bottom of the bath mat will gold water against the tub surface and if it is re-coated will damage it.

This is why I don't rent to suction 8.

Due to this pipe having its end open to the air, a suction effect occurs and the water travels down the pipe and out the end.Thanks for the question.

But I'd think the peace of mind, may well be worth it.Features: The float switch detects high water levelsThe activation valve responds to the float switch and starts the pumpDrive water from city water supply enters the pumpPressurized city water flows into the nozzleThe nozzle converts this water into high velocityThis high velocity creates a vacuum at the top of the nozzleThe vacuum draws water from the sump through the suction screenThe water flows up into the discharge pipe - thus removed from the sumpAlso, I noticed the Home Depot sells a similar product for a lot less $$$http://www.homedepot.com/p/AquaPro-Submersible-Water-Powered-Emergency-Backup-Sump-Pump-35034-5/206852259

Could the suction/draft/venting somehow caused the smoky air to get pulled into the unit?

The filters will clog quickly and need to be replaced multiple times to maintain good vacuum suction.

Now the suction tube doesn't suck prime tube doesn't drain anything.

Hopefully he put new freon in it and installed filter dryers on both the suction and liquid lines or you'll be changing that compressor again.  

It now looks pretty bad even though I put a rubber suction mat over it so it wouldn't chip further.

You could try a suction cup mount like this:http://www.amazon.com/Panavise-809-Camera-Window-Suction-Cup/dp/B000246ST6Numerous other choices, depending on the size of your camera.Keep in mind an HD video camera is only 2 megapixels where most point and shoots are 8-12 MP and pro DSLR cameras are in the 16-18 MP range.