Rune Factory questions/advice needed from veterans!

So as you can see from the topic I've clearly displayed interest in Rune Factory. The issue is however, I don't know enough about the series to make a decision :P I'm stuck between either getting Rune Factory 3 for the DS or Rune Factory Frontier for Wii. Both seem quite fun and I'm hoping will give me a break from the typical PS3 adrenalin rushes I've had recently. My question(s) to you Rune Factory veterans or knowledgeable inquiries, is...

• which game is overall funner? please keep in mind I've never played a RF game, only HM (Harvest Moon)
• can I jump into either without having played previous games?
• this is sort of random but, can you ride animals/monsters around? and can I transform into a Woolie at free will?
• will either of these games keep me hooked long enough to last me a while?
• (targeted at the DS game) is the game deep enough, or have enough content, to provide me with enough fun to last a very, very, long flight? ex: a lot of weapons, MULTIPLE townsfolk, several wife options, random events, mini games, etc...
• and finally, this question is just my curiosity getting the better of me but, are there random townsfolk (like the homeless man in HM) in either of the games, or random creatures (the yeti or big foot) that roam around or do stuff in either of the games?

I know my questions are plentiful but I would appreciate any solid advice! As a student money just seems to find a knack for playing hard to get so I try and spend mine wisely, thanks for any help!

1. Both games are great but if I had to say which is better it would be Rune Factory 3. Almost everything that made Frontier great is in 3 without the Runey management system. 2. Yes you can, the story doesnt continue only in 1 and frontier but not in a meaningful manner. 3. Yes you can write animals but not all of them. You can transform to a Wolley at anytime only in 3, Frontier doesn't have it. 4. I've played frontier over for um, a lot. 5. Yes, there are over 100 weapons in both games and 6 types. Each game offers 6 wife possibilities pretty lively town, and mini games. 6. In frontier you have some random dude who does nothing. Both games are great. If you need some explanations just ask. ShuichiChamp24

I forgot to ask this in my original question but, both games have the seasons right? But do both games have different weather? ex: rain, snow, etc...

Both have the same weather and seasons.ShuichiChamp24

alright! thanks for you help!