Donya,
I don't have a filter with one of those external air bleeds on it. That said....I don't see how air in the filter should affect system flow. You'll get air out if the returns but that would eventually stop. What is your pressure? High pressure, low flow would indicate a pressure side blockage. Low pressure and low flow a suction side block or air getting sucked in. You said there is only 1" in the skimmer. Is it possible you're getting a vortex in the skimmer? Flowing water swirling around and letting the skimmer momentarily suck air. This can be a cyclic process. Flow increases, vortex forms, air gets sucked, flow drops, vortex disappears, flow goes up, and the cycle keeps repeating.
Best I can do for now.
Al