Welcome to the forum again. Are you in a cold climate where hard freezing could be a concern? You said bubbles are coming out of the two skimmers, I assume you meant return jets. The air pocket in the pump basket probably isn't clearing because of low flow and the high pressure indicates low flow too. As Waste said, that pressure is awfully high and that would indicate a blockage too, and as he suggested, switching to recirculate may eliminate the filter. Switching to Rinse mode may tell something too as the water flow through the filter is in the normal direction but dumped to waste. Stupid question, but are there any valves on the return side that you may have left closed or partially closed? Those leaks at the top of the filter are no problem normally. If it's a Hayward, assume it is, the retaining clamp collar just needs to be tightened. I just tighten the two bolts enough to stop leaks to minimize the risk of snapping it by overtightening. To put your mind a little at ease, it is highly unlikely the return pipes have an obstruction in them. No chance of anything getting past the filter.
Keep us posted.
Al