1 yes it is normal for the flippers to also shoot the ball.

2 sounds like the switch is engaging too early and it needs to be adjusted.

OK, one less issue to deal with the flippers!

2.  I cannot see an adjustments.  Both microswitches are fixed and they cannot be moved.  It is only just short.  If I move the actual crane (via hex bolt on the shaft) a few mm, then its too short to hit the switch on the left (blue ramp), but the ball lands on it fine.
I guess the rubber black block on one side of the crane is to allow for this - which is still there I have not removed it.  I can not adjust the yellow wire ramp in top corner either...