You have a lot of Q's there may I suggest purchasing a book that is great reading & all about the A320 especially for those that are not too familiar with the Airbus way of doing things. Book is the "unofficial Airbus A320 Simulator & CheckRide Procedures manual" by Mike Ray, A UAL: Capt. This book will answer all yr questions & some!
fascinating reading for the laymen as well. Do a Google search with the Capt's name with perhaps the words UTP (University of Temecula Press)
Cost is around $US90 & worth every cent
Wmk2:-)