Q1: those of you who know someone who CTB'd, was there a note and did it help in any way?
I knew a guy whose mother had jumped off a building in the middle of town without warning. He barricaded himself in the bathroom and slit his throat, with his relatives banging on the door. I can't help but feel that a more secretive way with a goodbye note would have been kinder, and offered more peace for those remaining.
Q2: how best do you minimise the impact of your passing wrt both the people you care for and whoever has to deal with the physical mess?
I think leaving a note, the longer the better, may be able to control the damage a little bit. I have to sound somewhat callous when referencing those who deal with the body, as I feel if they've put themselves forward for the job, they're going to be desensitised to what they find. Trying to empty the bowels beforehand can't hurt, and it seems to me that the bloodier the scene the more unpleasant it'd be.
Maybe a superfluous thing to add, but I'll likely be found by my housing manager, but she's tough as nails, then it'll be passed to the authorities. I'm just glad it won't be my family.