SN74ALVC04: Propagation delay and drive strength

Tool/software:

For the SN74ALVC04:

1. Is the propagation delay from input to output the same when input goes from "H" to "L" as when input goes from "L" to "H" ?
2. Can you connect outputs from the same device like below to improve the drive with out destroying or reducing life of the device?

Thanks.