1. You are correct but unfortunately when you use Spur or certain other buffs hit your pet it reverts to match the stats of your current gear, and you cannot change gear in combat.
2. INT is the stat that all summon damage is based on (regardless of which summon), but Garuda is unique in which he's the only one affected by spell speed and spell speed buffs. In fact, when Garuda crits and you get the 20% spell speed bonus, he benefits from that bonus as well while it's up. Ifrit does not.
