I am no expert, but unless the instrument is really outta whack, you should be able to get the action to a reasonable level regardless of string type. So I would see what can be done, if anything, re: proper setup. I have a junker bass at home with a set (glued) neck and amazingly high, high action...
...so I can relate and agree that having action like this is not a great place to start if you don't want to feel like you have been arm-wrestling after playing. I plan to see what I can do about this particular instruments action - I have not given up on it yet, but as it is today, this thing is good for a song or two then I can't play it any more and I have been playing for almost a quarter century.
If you can get the action down to a more reasonable place, your string options are limitless. My instincts way that a lighter gauge of string would probably be a little less 'tense'.
For funk, disco, soul, jazz and rock - some flats-like strings would probably be the call for all. Flats or half-wound, maybe. I am stringing one of my basses with flats so that I can more easily grab onto that old-school funk thing.
As for rounds staying good for a while - keep them wiped down after playing. Keep a nice rag in your case and when you finish playing, give them a thorough wipe-down to get all that finger grime off of them and you will help to prolong their life. How long that last for you is up to how often you play, how greasy your hands are and how fastidious you are with keeping them wiped down.
