Help needed for my VISA application to Germany where I wish to take my wife along with me

Hi everyone, I got a Research position offer from the University of Munich till 2028. The salary being that of TV-L level 1. I believe I qualify for Bluecard. I am currently in Bangalore and here are my questions and I'd need some help regarding understanding these processes.

1. I have two options of submitting the application either from VFS or the German Embassy. I would like to know is there any benefit to choosing one against the other for faster processing times?
2. I would like to know how should my spouse apply for her VISA, is it through the family reunion route? If anyone was ever in a similar situation where the couple were shifting together to Germany, do let me know how I should go about this process.
3. I have work experience after my PhD, I believe that should qualify my salary to a higher level. Anyone knows the documentation necessary from my previous employer to make this happen for me? The Verification of Employment letter from my previous company is not making through is what the University HR said. They need some more formal letter from my previous employers to make this happen.
4. What could be the wait times like for the VISA approvals? I wished to serve my current employer notice by the end of this month. But unless the VISA arrives it would be a risky gamble on my end.