OK here are my thoughts on your points:

1. Calories are important to an extent but its more than just calories to consider - carb grams, protein, fat %....all have a factor. I don't believe in Starvation mode UNLESS not only are your calories too low but so is everything else.

I have a very slow metabolism as well (took me 13 months to lose 42 lbs) BUT my best weight loss is at 1400-1500 calories with fat at 65% or more; protein at no more than 90 grams and carbs at around 20. And this I figured out after changing things various times.

So don't assume that the lower you get the faster your weight loss - - not true. Our bodies metabolize different than low fat/low cal diets.

Good luck