1. well thats a problem, i don't know if you are getting the cast off.
How do you cast shield, do you click on the icon then the person? If you do, then that would definitely cast it. However, thats not the best way to cast. The most efficient is to use the #1 on your keyboard. The downfall of using the #1 is the cadence between hitting 1 and then left clicking. There has to be a pause between the 2 actions otherwise it won't cast at all.
2. Casting shield I & II will clear a spit, but if the spit occurred at the same time or afterwards then *i think* it will be there after the shield wears off.
3. Shield usually trumps grasp, the only time ive had problems is with sedna's silence. (at least LE and Rook etc. have animation wind-ups)
4. see if persists in other games, if not, problem solved lol..
5.... it could be, but i've rarely noticed a problem. (unless #1 above uis causing the problem)
good luck bro, let me know how it turns out.