[Graham Boak]

I can answer some of your queries - single-engined fighters were not equipped with dinghies, at least during the BoB. Some versions of the Bf.110 had them, and bombers generally did.

Similarly, the radio technology of the time did not run to small rescue bleepers.

RAF aircrew had a quick release mechanism on their harness - one sharp blow and it came free. I suspect the Luftwaffe had something similar. The pilots would tend to remove their boots as soon as possible. If they were wearing fleece-lined jackets then presumably they would do the same.

I think there is some evidence that Luftwaffe pilots kept captured Mae Wests, so this may imply that at least some pilots thought them superior. But I don't think this was widespread, not what the actual comparison was.