I know a shitload of PS, I just don't care to use it. You probably know a bit more, because I've worked with it alot, I'm just not really fan of signatures. I mostly specialize in Flash/3ds Max, but whatever.
I don't really understand some of your questions, but here are the answers:
#1. Export Movie > Animated GIF
#2. Huh?
#3. If you shape tween, you should smooth it out with the options, it performs much better, but in my opinion shape tweening sucks.