I haven't had any issues connecting on xbox one and have had several sessions with others already. Might be on your end.
Filming in hardcore is a reward to yourself if you want the tricks to be lower to the ground. I wouldn't consider it a trend. Film in whatever mode you want.
I recorded through the Xbox One Game DVR, yeah. I've been considering running those recorded clips through VLC or something to get the quality up. I'll be experimenting.