Depends where you are, whether to plant in sun or some shade. Here in Florida they seem to do better with a few hours of shade in the middle of the day. The leaves stay greener. For sure keep it in some shade until it shows signs of growth.
As to rooting the tops, I've done both, removing leaves and not. It helps a lot if you start with a pineapple that has really healthy green leaves. I think it's our generous humidity that helps them grow. Pineapples are bromeliads so they take in a lot of moisture and nutrients through the leaves. I've even rooted one with the top slice of fruit still attached.
Maybe on the next try, stick the top in soil and then just mist the leaves until you see new top growth to indicate rooting?