Yes it is very very very clear there in the OT regarding a Jewish priest. You are right, I can find that in the bible and am with you 100 percent. This is all part of the definition of a priest which is certainly not an Elder as we see in the NT.
This tradition was filled with a new meaning and continued in the Christian Church.
Yes in two ways, Jesus is now our High Priest and all Christians are priests so I agree up to this point.
We know that historically (for example, the 1 Nicean Council in AD 325 mentions the established liturgical practice and rectifies abuses).
You lost me here. We've left the bible.
I am not aware of any New Testament verse that specifically makes the distinction between priests and laymen, although priests and their function of providing sacraments is clear from James 5:14-15, which also indicates that at least for the annointing of the sick a layman won't do.
I'm still hoping for even the merest mention of a priest in the NT let along any details about their pay grades.
Since the distinction between priests and laymen was clear to all Jews, there was no pastoral need to put it down on paper.
Ofcourse it was clear because it was a position established by the Law and help by blood. It was a blood lineage.
At this point I have given you enough scriptural and historical evidence on the Eucharist and the priesthood, and I explained the Catholic teachings on these. I am familiar with the Protestant views and find them non-scriptural, ahistorical, and barely recongizable as Christian. Feel free to open a thread decicated to this matter if you still have questions.