Should I submit a major revision if it seems that AE has the intent to reject?
Your call, of course. Either would be a step forward. But consider how much the revision will actually improve the paper. If a lot, then it is to your advantage to just do it, no matter where you submit. All suggestions should be, at least, considered for revision, as usual. 

And a new submission will take its own time, of course. And a "top journal in the field" is probably worth some effort and even time. 

As for the last question, each paper is different and each editor is different. A general answer does you little good. It is your paper that you care about.