I hope someone can help me solve this Bluetooth problem.

Car stereo: Alpine CDE143BT
Phone: Galaxy Nexus (Android 4.3)

Here are my 3 main issues:
a. 9 times out of 10, Google Play Music starts automatically after the Bluetooth connection is established. However, I don't want this app to start every time.
b. When I to play audio from another app (e.g., Podkicker) over Bluetooth, the app plays, but the audio doesn't come over the stereo.
c. Often times, the Alpine stereo just blinks "SEARCHING" when the input source is set to Bluetooth Audio. However, the BT connection is fully established, so what is it searching for?

I recently bought and installed the Alpine CDE143BT stereo so that I can play audio over Bluetooth from my Galaxy Nexus (Android 4.3). However, I'm having the above issues. I've read the manual, searched on line, adjusted stereo settings, reset the stereo settings, and nothing improves the situation.

The stereo and phone always pair up (connect) with no issue, and really fast. I bought it from Crutchfield, which, BTW, was a great buying experience.