#3 do not crank handle when the drag is slipping just hold the steady pressure and let the line run off If you have to turn the fish hold the spool with your hand and turn the fish with your rod.

#4 watch for loops if you have a loop showing back the drag odd and pull line with bail closed until loop is gone. Also do not over cast

#3 Is spot on. If you're drag is singing and you're reeling in, all you're doing is twisting the line.

#4 I learned that trick some years ago and have taught it to a lot of people. When you see that loop on your reel, loosen your drag, do not open the bale and pull your line out until the loop comes out.