Bitstamp has been here for long time and them asking KYC with such strict details does make me wonder what juicy information they have obtained on the coins.
You may try to present a story in your way of describing but this is what I suspect has happened.
No, this is normal for bitstamp, they have been asking similar questions for >5 years now. Other exchanges are catching up with their intrusiveness. It's better to take your time to find a trustworthy person to make an exchange in-person.