yeah smelling & dripping fuel is bad, best replace it.
breather line, I'd still either plumb it into the inlet between the filter & TB butterfly or put a filter on the end or if ur MOT guys happy let it breath open. tank needs to breath cos it's a closed system, blocking the breather will create a vacuum in the tank as the level goes down which could affect fuel pressure in serious cases.
the walbro pump is just able to supply at a faster rate but the pressure reg remains the same so the hoses or lines r ok.
btw please use the correct terminology or it can get confusing.
lines/pipes/tubes = solid metal bent pipes, hoses = flexible reinforced rubber hoses.
if u can afford the 8m of 8cm hoses and securing clips for ease of fitting, go for it
![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
dunno how the cloth braided hose compares to normal internally reinforced rubber hoses or stainless braided hoses in terms of durability and MTBF but other members maybe able to advise.