I will try to answer the last question. We flew from MIA last Friday, Arrived shortly after 8 for an 11:09 flight. We were through check-in and security (TSA Pre-Check) in about a half hour. The lines did get longer as we were finishing. We probably did not need to be there that early, but we like to get there early and then find some breakfast. AA will tell you to be there 3 hours prior to departure in one of their pre-flight emails.

Hope that helps some.