I have no problem with Carl getting "older and taller" without a time jump, because growth spurts happen at different ages for boys.  Completely believable to me.  Besides, I don't think it matters what his specific age is, simply that he is a young teen adjusting to apocolyptic life.

Think he was going to continue after his talk with Rick, "… but I cannot let a good person be turned over to a psychopath to be tortured."

Very well said and I agree completely.

"Andrea has an impressive sense of direction. She manages to find her way
to the prison on foot, after having only been there once before (when
she was driving)."

"..did Phil actually move away from the seat where the gun was
taped?"

I think Rick faked him out by drinking the whiskey and then acting as if he would give up Michonne.  The Gov thinks Rick is loosey-goosey from teh alcohol and being honest.  Rick was just playing him.

Am I wrong or has Rick not yet killed anyone who was unarmed?