I haven't seen the Hobbit movies. I think I had enough of how sunlight spilling over the shire is worth fighting for in the three LoTR. Legolas' eyes are awfully blue in those, though.
Longer arm. Better reach. But if I was a sailor I'd maybe want the longer leg.
Too many variables to say. Did Duran use a sledgehammer? Is 14 old for a horse?