worked at a smoke shop as a kid and have had the same zippo for over ten years.
replace the sponge/filter, fluid, flint and wick (maybe 3 bucks total) even if you dry it out, there may be dirt particles in there that will fuck with the lighter.
everyone loves a zippos, even fag non smokers. think not ? see how many times you go to a party and some broad always asks to play with it with the cliche phrase " i love the sound of the click".
sure you can, you'll burn your fingers. you can't hold any light upside down and expect it to work fully. except pipe lighters and 'no-flame' lighters.