Photo-Tom:
I don't have any of the parts for the homing switch, so its possibly a case of whats simpler to install for a newby.
No idea - it depends on your project. They both have their pros and cons.
Optical requires something like a disk with a slot, so it can see when it's in position. The transmitter and receiver go on opposite sides.
End switches require also something mounted to the disk, that will press the switch when in position. Just a single thing to install, but mechanically more difficult.
Magnetic is yet another option. Magnet attached to the motor, reed switch or hall effect sensor to detect when the magnet is in place.
Given the choice I'd prefer contactless over mechanical, optical with magnetic a very good second. Depending on the overall layout of the project, which includes aesthetics.
This still might not give you a unit of speed. Maybe its easier to say that i want it to turn 300 degrees in about 1 second.
That's a more useful number.
Sounds quite fast to me, of course you must take inertia into account, so give it time to accelerate and decelerate. How much time depends on what's attached to your stepper, and often requires some trial and error.