Easier to pass subjects

Hi,
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/aug/16/harder-a-levels-gove-conservative
Michael Gove, the shadow education secretary, said the current system of league tables, by valuing all qualifications equally, rewarded schools that encouraged their pupils to opt for lower status, easier to pass subjects.

1) Is "easier to pass" here an adjective?

2) Can I say "easier to bake cakes", "easier to solve questions" and such?

3) How would "...encouraged their pupils to opt for subjects that have lower status and are easier to pass." sound to you compared with the current version?

4) Could I add "ranking schools" or "which ranks schools" before "by valuing all qualifications equally"?

THanks in advance