Definately agree on the importance of the cunningham. If my Falcon is trimmed correctly than I don't need to ease more than one arm length in the puffs.
One up depowering the boat is even more important upwind to keep drive and not to head up each time, slowing you down.

In 2 up we play the cunningham each time we see a puff to keep forward drive.
It is huge which difference it makes compared to teams only using the main.

Speed is difficult as it will differ a lot when you foot a bit. Lining up is the best thing to do.
Gill