Why not just buy beer then? DIY is what brought me to the hobby in the first place. Who cares if it cost just as much or took you forever, YOU made it. To me, that's the entire point.
2 weeks most of the time for me. It's a good compromise for yeast to clean up and good clarity without waiting 6 months to drink my beer. I only brew ales under 1.070 atm, but this may change as I get into lagers and stouts.
Usually 1 week in the bottle, more if there is any funny business.
+1 for strait into the bucket. Just keep it clean and sanitized. I've checked every batch I've made like this, and many multiple times with zero problems. No wasted beer.
Bulk LME from my LHBS is cheaper by a significant amount, and I find that LME is easier to deal with. Warm water in the sink for a few minutes and it pours fine. YMMV. That said, my next DIY project is an MLT.