Correct so far.
There is nothing in the account that indicated that He went up for the purpose of meeting them,
Are you suggesting that He was "surprised" by what happened, that He did not know what was going to happen?
He met them transfigured, not in His earthly human (as we are) state.
That is irrelevant, Moses and Elijah were not dead, they were alive. Eternal life is what we are promised.
Nor does that justify the practice the habit of praying to saints when Jesus Himself said we are to pray to God the Father. Nowhere are we commanded to pray to anyone but God.
Asking saints to pray for us is quite different from praying to them. Throughout the Bible there are occasions where others are asked to pray and Revelation 5:8 speaks of the "prayers of the saints", keep in mind that the saints in Heaven see things differently from us (1 Corinthians 13:12).
No, I doubt He was surprised by what happened, but his encounter with them was in His glorified body, which we don’t have yet.
Catholics pray TO saints and make requests TO them. Here are some examples made by a brief google search.
These people can’t do anything FOR us. If it were just a matter of asking them to pry for us, that could be defensible, but these prayers are petitions to them. And prayers to ANGELS? What’s with that?
One thing that stuck out at me was the massive number of those who have been granted the title of *Saint*. It’s astounding. Maybe the purpose is for exhorting those of us here on earth by their exemplary life, but I’ve never heard of well over 90% of them.
http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=96
To St. Joseph for Protection
Gracious St. Joseph, protect me and my family from all evil as you did the Holy Family. Kindly keep us ever united in the love of Christ, ever fervent in imitation of the virtue of our Blessed Lady, your sinless spouse, and always faithful in devotion to you. Amen.
http://www.ourladyweb.com/mary-prayers.html
Prayer to St. Michael
Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Prayer To Your Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide.
Amen.
http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/Jude.htm
For Spiritual Help (to St. Jude)
Glorious apostle, martyr, and servant of Jesus, St. Jude Thaddeus, you spread the true faith among the most barbarous and distant nations, and won to the obedience of Jesus Christ many tribes and peoples by the power of His Holy Word. Grant, I beg you, that from this day I may renounce every sinful habit, that I may be preserved from all evil thoughts, that I may always obtain your assistance, particularly in danger and difficulty, and that I may reach the heavenly country, with you to adore the Most Holy Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
http://www.catholicity.com/prayer/prayers.html
To Mary
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that any one who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
We fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother;
to thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful;
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not our petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer them. Amen.