1. Tricky question but most decent single engine pilots manage to make the grade in about 6hrs or so. Flying an MEP really isn't that difficult.
2. No, not at all. Perhaps this technique is contributing towards the issue highlighted at question 1.
3. Sounds like a shoddy school. Yes, the ground instruction is a bit nauseating but it needs doing. Again, is the lack of 7hrs classroom work being reflected in the poor flight assessment?