I'm back so hold on your horses.

WEAPONS
Right I must say this. Obscure weapons are not cool. If your'e gonna face a HUGE dragon, you do not carry:

FORKS
RACKETS
TINY LITTLE DAGGERS

No! You take a big Gun Or a big Sword! I no it's a fantasy but please! I would not take a Tennis Racket or a Dinner Fork to take out the creature that is 3X the size of me.Still, most summoners have that sort of weapon so I'll give THAT the benifit of the doubt. But no, I can't stand forks. They are stupid, they are dumb and guess what,not clever. But yes, CatClaws are cool,but sadly, they're on Amarant's hands
And, there were big swords (STEINER) and you could sya that Zidane's weapon was just a double ended sword.

AMARANT
If I wanted mysterious, I'll read a Agatha Christie. I do not want a awkward red head who'd moody.
He's interesting, intriguing, and mysterious. He brought something we haven't seen, a character who didn't really like our other heroes. He thought he had something to prove. He thought he would show Zidane that being alone makes you stronger. But, throughout the game, he realizes that what makes you stronger is by being among companions. Learning from one another.
I think Seifer did that as well. In FF8. He thought he was the best, becoming [SPOILER]Edea's knight. Even through loss, he was so big-headed he thought he could still be the best. He thought he had something to prove to Squall. He even got rid of Fujinn & Rajinn because he was so bent on becoming the best he wanted to be alone. But, he finally realises that what makes you the strongest, is with friends. (As illistrated when he has fun with his FRIENDS at the end in Balamb fishing. He learned, he grew, and he became nice.
So Amarant wasn't original, he was just annoying. Who would want him in a group. he just hasn't got the grop ethic. WHY DID HE JOIN?

ENDING
I don't believe that the ending of FFIX was as happy as FFVIIIs. The point is, FFIX told the story as if finishing it, like it showed what happened to them, what good things happened to them. FFVIII didn't. It just showed the intial celebrations. Did everyone get what they wanted? Quistis didn't get what she wanted did she?
Plus, FFVIII's was SO much cooler then FFIX with all that FMV and the trendy Video camcording. Plus, the song was cool IMO. (Im gonna get killed)
Also, FF8's wasn't my favourite. FFX's is. Because itb brought me close to tears, (And still does)

EYES ON ME VS MELODIES OF LIFE
Right. As for the "compsed by the same guy" thing.
I like Rage Aginist The Machine. I don't like all their songs. I like them mostly, but some, I just don't lke. And i perfer some Albums over others. So thats why i like EYES ON ME better. i just perfer it. It's a beautiful song, with stirring vocals, and a nice tune. Howver, MELODIES is fine. Just not as good IMO.
Oh by the way, as for ending themes FFX's rocks.