I am just using UML 2.0. It's the only version my tool (magicdraw) supports, and I haven't seen any mention of the UML version to use. I think you can choose it just like the J2EE version.
With UML 2 you can convey more using your diagrams. So I would suggest you to go ahead use a tool that supports UML 2. I have n't used UML 2.0 features for Class and Component diagrams, but felt the need of it for sequence diagrams for presenting the alternative flows. so I have used a tool based on UML 2 only for sequence diagrams.
I wanted to use the UML 2.0 exacly as you said for sequence diagram, because is more easier to express the alternative flows and the "included" usecase.
Congreats for passing the exam. Your key points about the exam (learning) are nicely put in your post and I am sure it will very much helpful to all of us preparing for the exam. Thanks you for that.
Which tool you used for sequence diagram? Do you recommed some good UML 2.0 tool?