Here's how I would play the first one if I had to.


i /m p i /i p i
--------------------14--
-----------14-15-18-----
--12-15-17--------------


That would be just me, but I would play it the second way unless it absolutely needs to be that way. Which would depend both on where your coming from and where your going after this sequence. I always try to set each finger for each fret first. Stretching is only needed in some chromatic passages or on the high e string. That high up on the neck a stretch like that probably won't cause hand problem but the passage may be more difficult to play. Especially if you start playing more technical stuff.