Smushing

So I've been trying out siege/monk rushing on Arena. I can beat the extreme AI consistently by smushing and won two ranked 1v1's last night. Have a few questions though for those that pull this strat of regularly.

I can fairly reliable hit castle age with Malay between 13:05 and 13:40. I caught both my opponents off guard without an army so they weren't able to put any pressure on me and I was able to trickle monks and siege in without issue.

1. Is speed key? Start attacking the second I have 1 ram and 1 monk or should I wait for a few of each before attacking? Yes that's time for him to build an army but I feel the most vulnerable at the very beginning. If he counter attacks early and I only have 1 monk out I'm screwed.

2. What monk upgrade should be my priority and after how many monks? Extra health or the ability to convert building and siege?

3. Mangonels or scorpions after my first two rams? Mangonels have the power but aren't great when being rushed. I can pump out scorps alot faster and it seems easier on my fragile eco.

4. If speed is king are Malay the best at smushing? Or is it worth the slower up time for the tankier Aztec monks?

5. Any other tips/tricks.

Thanks