Hi Itwasluck,
Many thanks for the kind words! It's a pleasure to hear you enjoyed the performance - it really makes my practice feel worthwhile.
1] I didn't really go for speed in the video, but merely smoothness (avoiding awkward pauses during transitions and generally keeping the flourish moving). I've practiced this cut since the summer of 2005 after a friend taught me. Since first learning it all those years ago it has changed slightly with how it is on The Trilogy, but the general cut remains the same – so I guess you can say I’ve been working on it on and off for about 3-4 years.