Some Questions.

It's been a year since I last played, and I see quite a lot has changed, so I'm curious about some things.

People in my guild said that the EXP curve had been decreased. I remember an event a while ago about it being decreased temporarily. Is this true, and if so by how much? It's been permanently decreased, by how much I don't know off the top of my head.
Has Pink Bean been defeated on gMS yet? No.
What's a Vicious Hammer? It's a CS item that you use to add a slot to any equipment. You can use it on any item twice, with the exception of HT pendants.
How do you get Monster Cards of PQ bosses if you're past the level req? Right now, you don't. You could trade Maple Leaves during the anniversary to get them.
How do you get those PQ equips (Shoes/Glasses/Glove)? Either quests related to the PQ or dropping from the boss.
Does the Quest Specialist medal quest count quests you've already done? Yes.
Where the hell is the NPC for the quest "Tristan's Successor"? Beneath the SW dungeon split before Tauromacis, in short.
Is Mushroom Shrine Gach still the best one to go to? *does not gach so moot point*
How do you get belts and what is the easiest one to get? You can get ones from Mu Lung Dojo pretty easily, assuming you're willing to waste enough time to get the points needed. White Belt is easiest, for 200pts.

I summed it up as well as I can for being sleep-deprived, answers in bold.