100's are the smoother shooting. As for patterns - It really depends on what both are like through your particular gun. I find 100's appear to have a tighter centre through mine. But they are my preferred shell. Both are good cartridges. Try them and see.
Why do you bend down to take your gun out of a slip? I have always take mine out and put it in standing up. The slip can be placed on anything that will support it.
Maybe you could explain what 'body type' uses what barrel length? I mean, look at you and GD, two totally different 'body types'. So why doesn't 'personnel preference' play a part?
All this hurty feelings bollox gets on my tits. Maybe those 'offended' should have their 'feelings' taken out and beaten to death, or perhaps grow a pair and just get on with life. What a pathetic woke world we are living in.
A lot depends on how you handle them. Apart from one, all mine have black actions and are virtually as new except one, which looks like a silver action. That was like it when i bought it, yes it had a hard life.
Beretta 'active' are quite good and actually made for shooting with pockets in the shoulders so a recoil pad can be fitted. The 'high collar' sits just below the ears and does not affect the stock on mounting. Downside, they are not fully windproof but can be used as an inner jacket lining. Fine...
Why should they - All to make it easier?
Surely thats where some of the skill in shooting comes from - Learning how to judge distance, speed and angles, all part of the fun.
Golf is a totally different ball game!!!!!!!!!!
All i would say is, perhaps it's your technique thats letting you down. As skeet is a 'discipline' it should be shot as one (Well to be proficient anyway) and not just to stand on a square and shoot it willy nilly.