I think it was Arnold in his Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding that I read way back in the day as a young lifter... something like how a veteran can get a lot more out of a lighter dumbbell than a younger lifter can get out of pushing heavier weight. Pretty sure what you said is what Arnold was speaking about. I’ve got to dial it down and work smarter.
Absolutely. I did a group training class last Thursday and incorporated zero weights besides a band for their legs. Every exercise included isometric work (go to the peak of the movement and hold) and then incorporate the full movement 30-60 seconds after holding. When you put that much work into not only the muscle but the surrounding muscle fibers, it humble you very quickly!
Yes, focus more on the tempo and the form and once you feel healthy and comfortable, move on up!