Joy,

Point 1) yes we schedule our active clone at the slowest time

Point 2) yes, it has to use the network to transfer the files

Point 3) Still waiting on the bug fix for my version

Point 4)

SQL for Last backup time:

#
# From DB that is being backed up
#
Using controlfile - select newest_backup_time from v$BACKUP_SET_SUMMARY

#
# From DB that contains your catalog
#
Using catalog - select db_name, NEWEST_BACKUP_TIME from rman.RC_BACKUP_SET_SUMMARY where DB_NAME = '???????';


BTW, I am trying to automate the same exact process but I keep getting
side-tracked. Ugggg If I get it done before you I will be more than
happy to share my solution. Hopefully, you can do the same.

Good luck