Is it considered an innovation to request listening to the Imam's recitation of Al-Fatiha before the prayer, especially in the absence of the regular Imam and the prevalence of errors in its recitation, and is a mosque considered far (1.4 km) enough to waive the obligation of congregational prayer therein?

1. It is not from the Sunnah to test the Imam. The default is to think well of a Muslim, and it is permissible to pray behind someone whose condition is unknown.

2. The Imamate is valid for anyone whose prayer is valid for himself. So, pray behind the Imams in the mosques of the Muslims, unless you are certain that prayer behind him is invalid, such as if he is unable to recite Al-Fatiha.

3. The distance between you and the mosque is short, so be keen to attend congregational prayers there.