Re: sleeping with feet facing makkah
There are a lot of such things we were taught in childhood, just for respect, though no authentic source was shown to us by anyone. In few cases I did come across the authentic sources later and I was thankful to my parents and teachers for teaching them to me early in life.
Life is too short and we would be held answerable for every single minor act. My criteria for such teachings are that till the time you haven't been able to find the truth through any authentic source, follow those teachings with a good "Niyyah"(intentions), just to be on the safer side, unless any of those teachings doesnt satisfy your heart or violate anyone's rights.