1. You can try using the USB stick and your ram, but Cinnamon is a pretty large distro. If you went with Mint XFCE or a smaller lighter version of Linux it might run in ram. Try it and see, but I have my doubts. Then install to your SSD hard drive and run it for a comparison. You'll know for sure if you do both.
2. Just because the latest and greatest of any version of Linux is available, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the best version for your computer. There can be driver issues with older computers, and with brand new state of the art machines. Always "Try before you buy." One of the beauties of Linux is the ability to burn them to a USB stick, or a DVD and test them to see if there are going to be any problems, before you install.
3. Play on Linux is a compliment to Wine. It simplifies installing Windows programs into Wine and getting them to run on Linux.