The TN Terrace is nice: dedicated "real" seats, better concessions including a hot-food line and virtually no waiting, weather-proof indoor area equipped with many TVs, nice bathrooms. Don't expect a club-level experience, but it's nice. I have been considering moving over there for the past couple of years. It's still pricey but nothing near the club pricing.
I watched them search a ton of people at the Auburn game. Every person wearing boots was searched. I've even been scanned with a metal detector before. I hide them around my waist where there's metal on my belt.
Depends what row, but there isn't a bad seat in the house. Upper deck endzone can offer some good views if you like watching the X's and O's of the game.