Jay, first of all, get some sleep. You don't want to be bleary-eyed when you're doing wiring.
It sounds like a new headlight switch may be a good place to start if the "stops" are so worn that it flickers. You might be able to clean up the switch, but even then I would buy a new one for backup.
If the smell only happens when you're on highbeam, it could be completely unrelated to the headlight switch. There's an indicator light somewhere behind your speedo that could be resting on something flammable. There's a switch on the floor that could be dirty or damaged or not properly grounded. There's supposed to be a dedicated ground at each headlight (do the headlights & highbeams work correctly?). There's a number of places where insulation could be rubbed off the wiring; or ground points failing to make contact as needed.
As with any "quick fix" I've ever attempted, you will discover a dozen other things that need to be done. Look it over carefully; then decide if you need to replace a switch, tape something, or strip the harness to the parklights.
