AS2 Vs AS3?

I am trying to force myself to learn AS3, but I want the appearance of the AS2 components (list, textarea, textinput). Aside from the aethetic difference, I think I can put up with the awful learning curve and lack of tutorials/information for AS3.

I have noticed a lot of scripts I have used or sites I visit use AS2. From basic flash scripts to full blown websites... I think I have yet to come across one coded in AS3.

Everyone keeps telling me AS3 is sooooo much better. As a 100% novice, I'd like to learn the "better, newer, more uptodate" code rather than learning AS2 and then later down the road learning AS3.

So two questions..

A.) Generally speaking, what is better about AS3 over AS2?
B.) Can I use AS2-looking components in an AS3 script? This is really important because I absolutely despise the AS3 List component appearance.