yeah, what I've read said that the lower radius (9.5" in this case) was better for playing chords and such. and the higher radius, flatter fingerboards are better for bending, playing solos, etc.

yes, they do make fretboards that start out more curved near the headstock, where most chords are made, and gradually flatten out as they go up the neck, where more solos are performed

here is a fingerboard that starts at 10" at the nut, and flattens out to 16" at the 24th fret.