#1 is a quilting myth. Maybe when you return to class you can educate your educator (Discretely of course! ) with the below link from Superior threads.
http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...-and-what-isnt
#2 I do agree with. I am a prewasher anyway and all my fab gets prewashed before going into stash. Your batting choice can also affect appearance of quilt after shrinkage.