I am fairly new to cloth cause like you was reluctant to spend the money not knowing much.. But here's my answers to your questions.

I still use sposies at night and the smallest pack (I think about 22) can last nearly a fortnight, so it is a huge saving on the weekly grocery bill.

DH will only use the ones where he has to put one nappy (AIO, Pockets, Ai2's), not a nappy and cover. So they don't go onto the shelf until I stuff them. I however will use fitted and covers. I am still deciding what brands I like with them.

As I started when DD was a little more than 12 months, I opted for OSFM so that I got use with 2nd bubs (but I haven't tried on baby yet as he is still cooking, LOL), and so far my fav are Pop ins and Green kids.. I haven't had leaks with either of these brands.

If I think of anything else, I will come back..