Help with interface for PT12 please

I have a Mid 2012 15" MacBook Pro 9,2 i7 2.6 GHz (quad core), Mountain Lion, and I am currently using the 003 Console. Everything works well, but I am thinking of downsizing to a smaller footprint because the console takes up a ton of space on my desk. Before I do so, I have a few questions I'm hoping the experts here can help with.

Useful facts:
- I usually only record 1-2 tracks at a time
- My projects are not more than 12 tracks
- Most tracks have 2-3 plug-ins and 1-2 sends
Current Recording Setup
- MBP i7, 2.6Ghz, quad
- 003
- Nord keyboard (main MIDI keyboard)
- Launchkey 25 (surface controller that will replace the 003 sliders and knobs)
- POD HD (which I would replace with Elevn if that is the I/O I buy)

Questions
1) Is there a downside in moving from a FireWire interface (003) to a USB interface (e.g., Eleven)? I know that FireWire is faster than USB, but if I am only recording 1-2 tracks at a time, is there a downside in switching to a USB connection?

2) Is there a preferred USB I/O interface for my setup (MB Pro i7, 2.6Ghz, quad)? I see the list of Approved Audio Devices, but I am asking for a preferred

3) My MBP only has 2 USB slots, if I use one for the iLock and one for an interface (like Eleven), I won't have a spot to connect a MIDI controller... how I can I solve for this?I know Eleven has one MIDI port, I have two keyboards (Launchkey 25, which I would use as the surface controller, and my full sized Nord)

Thanks for the input, guys.