Chubu area transport

Hi Japan! So excited to visit again but need help for planning.

We arrive in Central Japan Airport in the evening and planning this route:

Day1: Airport-> Toyotashi
Day2: Toyotashi-> Korankei -> Nagoya -> Takayama
Day3: Takayama->Kanazawa day trip->Takayama
Day4: Takayama->Shinhota ropeway->Hirayu Ryokan
Day5: Hirayu-> Shirakawago ->Nagoya
Day6: Sightsee Nagoya-> Central Japan airport

Questions -
I read from meitetsu and mwt.co.jp about the Shoryudo bus pass, but although the picture of route map shows connections between all the places I list to go, the bus timetable in the leaflet is limited.
However I can see more bus routes and times from Nohi bus and Meitetsu websites - does it mean the pass only works for the limited times on the leaflet? Should I get other bus passes instead of the Shoryudo one? (e.g. the Okuhida Marugoto value ticket)

For Day 2, is there any faster/easier way to go to Takayama from Korankei area, or must I go via Nagoya?

As I want to avoid a different hotel every night, the route I planned is with base at Takayama.
Does this itinerary make sense?
Should I go to both Shirakawago and Kanazawa in one day, since to Kanazawa I must pass by Shirakawago anyway? I planned 2 different days so I can take an express bus Shirakawa->Nagoya on Day5, but if the two places in one day is OK, I can use the last day to visit Gero/Kiso.

For 4 people would hiring driver be cheaper?

and lastly, do the buses allow mid-size suitcase, and are there storage facilities at Shirakawago close to the bus station for Nagoya direction?

Thank you so much to anyone who can help!