1. I'm sure it's not. Maybe we're doing stuff in different order but I'll upload a clip later to show you that you can comfortably midare before second maelstrom
3. I pot a bit after Stormy Horizon, after both Temporary Current, it catches pre-Higan Midare, Higanbana, Senei, and 2x Midare after.
Edit: Here it is,
https://streamable.com/yxolp
As for whether you're ahead in CD or not, I think this is more of an encounter thing, kinda like fast/slow enrage in E4S. I noticed this happened to me sometimes too.