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Although these two words are obviously closely related (I believe tunc = tum + ce), I would like to know whether they are usually interchangeable and the meaning differences that exist between them.
If I want to refer to a past time (tum/tunc homines alas habebant), which is appropriate? Can both be used to indicate sequentiality, like deinde or English then?
Smith's suggests that tunc (formed from tum + -ce, the enclitic adding emphasis) differs from tum only in being slightly stronger; although, since either is often strengthened by demum, etc., to me it seems a pretty fine distinction.
When making a contrast (tum . . . cum . .), I think using tunc for tum would be just clumsy; for the same reason I would use only tunc in a contrast with nunc.
Does tunc suggest that X is no longer the case?
It seems unlikely. At least, if it does, the English and American lawyers didn't know it. The first time I recall coming across the word tunc was in the legal phrase "nunc pro tunc," which is used about an order that is meant to take effect as of a past time and to remain in effect through the present time and into the indefinite future.
