1: to be honest, the leveling for the chocobo seems fair given that it joins you and takes down enemies quickly and has great skills.

2: yes, I too agree that while trying to find a party for a duty or something you can at lease train the chocobo while your waiting if your a level 50 with nothing to do. And whenever you find something, it goes away but it will be fine sense the food is easy to get so you don't have to worry about running out.