Dunno about the rest Mr Fox but I think I can answer -

7) Ian McShane as Merriman?? Now, I know he's a brilliant actor, but I bet he can't play tall and thin.....

I bet none of the hobbits can realy play 3' tall either:-)

8) And they are starting the series at book two - WHY??

I asked the same question of the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe. Maybe they don't realy need it for the plot?

Cheers

Dave