2. They are now getting very slow for withdrawals - over a week now to even confirm (USD) withdrawal - let alone see it in your bank. I don't know about SEPA, as I no longer use this method (see 3 below).
It might be due to the round-about way it has to go for you. I'm getting USD withdrawals to the US confirmed in a day.
Are you saying this is on Bitstamp?
I get them confirmed on Stamp in an hour, yes - but then the withdrawal being "in process" lasts a week +. I am asking for USD to be sent from my US balance, and given they are not USA-based I don't see how they can be faster for a US customer than a UK one.
Can you confirm you are saying Stamp do wire withdrawals (international transfer) for you in a day?!