Hand #1, unless I have a read that says he's good, I look him up on the river. I also fire a 2nd round on the turn to see where I am with the turn Ace. No different than your river bet other than he doesn't get another card for free.

Hand #2, I like it. Get it in there with the low str8 and OEstr8-flush re-draw. Opponent looked like he liked his hand. I would expect a call more often than a fold.

Hand #3, I like the river call. The only hand calling a river raise is the nut or 2nd nut flush. Maybe the occasional donkey set or 2pr.

Hand #4, Fire again on the turn until he gives you reason not to. He is liable to All-in donkey bluff at river with air since you showed fear of the diamonds. Controlling the pot is one thing, but he hasn't given you any reason to back off the accelerator.

Hand #5, I bet half his remaining stack on the flop to induce a push. Turns out all the money was going in anyway. Short Stacks suck.

I'd say you are playing just fine.