[11and14]

From my experiences bench bleeding the master cylinder makes bleeding quite a bit easier.

As for pulling more air than fluid, you might be sucking air from around the bleeder - hose or threads on the bleeder itself. My vacuum frequently has some bubbles.

Gravity bleeding I haven't done but there are those who say to open bleeders and let fluid drain on its own. It seems like a long process.

Personally I prefer the old two man pump the brakes method.