1). So much that it's worth spending a little extra money? I think so.

3). 9ft...that's what I figured.

With regard to other rods to consider...what do you think of White River series? Good, bad, ok? From the description at the BP site, the WR rod has a faster action than the HC rod. Other than that, they seem pretty similar. For what you're doing, a faster action might be a little better. If possible, handle both rods.