Can't help you with the AML questions, however:


The factors that matter for any cash-out decision are:

 - Where are you located (country)?
 - How much are you looking to trade?
 - What type of cash are you looking to receive?
 - How soon do you need access to the proceeds?
 - Is privacy important?

A fairly comprehensive list of cash-out options is:

 - http://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Selling_bitcoins