Full Res video taking FOREVER to load from iCloud

I am trying to use iCloud to manage my video files for editing. What I like is the ability to easily search through my files using the photos apps. Unfortunately, the actual usage of these files is a nightmare because it takes FOREVER to load the full res version of each file I need to use. Here is what I am doing, tell me if I am doing something wrong or if what I am experiencing is not unusual:

1) I keep full res versions in iCloud to maximize space (no way I could store all the video locally on iPhone or Mac)

2) When I need to use a file in FCP, I click to edit the file within Photos. A little white progress reel spins through very quickly, and then I wait. Sometimes for more than an hour, even for short clips.

3) After a seemingly interminable amount of time, the full timeline shows up in Photos, meaning that I can then drag the clip into FCP.

It is not possible to efficiently edit this way. Is this a normal experience? The only workaround I have found is to go to iCloud.com and access the video that way. It downloads the file VERY quickly, but I feel like the quality is not quite as good. Is that real or in my head?

If anyone knows a way to speed up accessing the files – or if I am good to use the ones I download from iCloud.com without losing quality – please let me know! Thank you, in advance, for your help!