@babadeena:
Unfortunately, I am not a religious expert to indulge in a debate like this. Therefore, after this reply, I am not going to respond to your comments. I am sure there are more knowledgeable members here who share my point of view so maybe they can help you with some of your queries. I am not confused in what I do or follow but I cannot explain that to you. My apologies.
Its a known FACT that all the Madahibs are based on Quran e Pak and Sunnah/Ahadeeth. So anyone who follows any of madhab is following Quran and Sunnah. Many people like me consider it a preferred option to act upon the inferences drawn by any of great Imams instead of following an interpretation by someone who just happens to understand arabic. Not to mention the fact that the point of view of Imams is based on Quran and then Sunnah.
Moreover, the differences lies on minor things. Anything mentioned in Quran e Pak is agreed upon by everyone. Differences are there about the methodologies, timings, practice and one practice being superior to other.
After Prophet (SAWS), most of Sahaba R.A. knew Quran and arabic etc. but in case of any dispute or question, Hazrat Ibne Abbas, Ibne Umar, Ibne Masood (R.A.) and Hazat Ayesha (R,A) were consulted and it happened on regular basis. So you may call it as a short cut or whatever but it makes a perfect sense to me as many people also trust me and take my word when it comes to my profession. Oh I believe thats a general truth in the present world but for some reason we don't think its valid when it comes to religion.
I know the answers of the questions that you raised but I think they won't work for you. And I am not afraid to check Quran e Pak by myself. But I am afraid to draw any conclusion or inference by IGNORING other verses of the Quran or by NEGLECTING the Ahadeeth / Sunnah of Prophet (SAWS). Once you start doing that, you will end up in following Ghulam Pervaiz, i.e. hadeeth rejectors.
May Allah SWT guide us and keep us on the straight path.