fuel pump question
 

Went and filled my gas tank right up to the top getting ready for winter storage. I've never had it that full before and I think it just pressured up (non-vented cap). I noticed a leak where the PO has installed an in-line filter underneath. I replaced the rubber fuel lines around the filter and then the pressure started a small leak where the return line has also been capped near the fuel pump. While I was doing all this I also noticed a very small bubbling (an obvious leak) around the top of the fuel pump. So two questions....

1) I'm assuming this is the first sign of the fuel pump failing
2) Why would the return line be capped?