Hi Andy
I believe it is possible to splice solid into hollow , but it's something I have not really experimented with at this stage. Hollow to hollow is quite simple to do using a loop needle or a piece of around 100lb single strand wire if you don't have a needle. Sorry I cant help you with the solid to hollow at this stage ,but you have made me curious as to the best way to join the two , maybe it's time for me to do a bit more experimenting!!
As for the durability of the two , i think you will find that both solid & hollow are quite durable/tuff , with the hollow having a slight edge over the solid. I have no scientific data to prove or disprove this , it's just my observations over the time I have been using Jerry Brown.