Try just copying the wallet.dat file and make sure that when you do that Bitcoin Core is shutdown.
You are right with all what you said, thank you for your help.
.lock file is used to ensure that only one instance of the program is being run at the same time.
Wallets should not be even touched while core is running. Especially on Mac, Apple filesystems are known to be shit, and you will lose all your funds.
copy it to desired location. If you need to move the funds, simply copy the wallet, or even better, send the money.
I've always moved my wallets .dat files when core was completely shutdown