I don't tend to use publications anymore. I've tried it a few times and by far my most successful story was published in a publication. But then I've done the same with other stories - even in the same publication - which have flopped.

On the subject of American English vs English English, I sometimes deliberately adopt American English myself to appeal to a wider audience - a recent example being my use of 'cotton candy' instead of 'candy floss'. It's a sell-out, I know, but not a deal breaker for me.

The main reason I don't use publications anymore, is similar to the reason you gave about the recommendations which show at the bottom of your stories - I want readers to subscribe to my stories, rather than to the publication.