Barre chords higher frets

1. Are higher frets easier to play?
2. Should action be higher at higher frets?

Are higher frets easier to play?

Fret gauge might have a bigger impact on playing feel than on tone for many guitarists. Wider frets are often attributed a smoother, more buttery playing feel, which also makes it easier to bend strings.

Should action be higher at higher frets?

Action should get higher as you reach fret 12 then slowly lower until the end of the fretboard. Typical action is roughly 1/8th of an inch above fret 12.