Some of your problems stem from iCloud I think. I'm willing to wager that the safari bookmarks issue is related to safari syncing of bookmarks across iCloud. I'm guessing your old MBP was running an older operating system that did not support iCloud sync.

I don't use chrome so can't help you there.

I find that my MacBook requires a little more interaction when waking these days. Multiple keyboard presses, multiple trackpad clicks and/or power button interaction. Not sure if you've ben persistent with your clicking but if that problem persists i would take it to the Apple Store.

Welcome to the dongle world! For Ethernet you need an adapter. I think the MBA supports the thunderbolt to Ethernet adapater. If not then USB to Ethernet. I've had my MBP for 4 years and never needed Ethernet though.

Fdw