Between VSL and Hollywood Strings, it would have to be VSL, not just because of the sound library, but the VSL VI Pro player is leagues ahead of the EW Play engine. The one thing that stops me adding EW Hollywood S/B to my sound library is the Play engine, not necessarily the sounds.
So I guess I have answered your third question as well, get VI Pro - you'll never regret buying that - it's simply the best sample player software out there.