For the first one you are correct, a small wall or pillar of earth would be able to counter the water needles.
And for the second, you are incorrect, that technique would be able to counter the water whip as well, remember that water is weak to earth, So any water technique of C Rank would be able to be countered by a D Rank earth technique, though it also depends on the size of the techniques being used, if they are of the same in terms of the size, then the earth technique of D Rank would be able to counter a water technique of C Rank, if the water is perhaps a wide wave of C Rank, then a simple shield of earth wouldn't be able to completely counter the water technique, but there are various means and ways to counter and accomplish what ever if you just be creative and come up with your own unconventional counters, that would have to work also of cause.
Next...
(Suiton: Mizuame Nababara) - Water Style: Starch Syrup Capture Field
Rank: C
Range: Short/Long
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Description: The user After performing the required hand seals Ram โ Tiger spits out high-viscosity, chakra infused water, aimed at a surface of wide scope. This is a stream of sticky liquid which can be used to form an adhesive trap that can inhibit a person's mobility. One can effectively reduce their enemy's area of activity with this technique, and has the effect of being able to take complete control over the battlefield. The normal scope of this technique is normally just a few metres, but if prepared, it is also possible to make an entire pond of starch syrup. Being caught in the technique can be avoided by channelling chakra to one's feet allowing one to walk upon it uninhibited, beforehand.
"Start by performing the required hand seals while gathering your water release chakra within your body, you then release the water chakra in the form of a sticky liquid, and spew it onto the ground, causing the entire section you soaked in the syrup to become a trap of sorts, able to restrict your opponents movements once he steps into the syrup, go ahead and give it a try."
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(Mizu Bunshin) - Water Release: Water Clone
Rank: C
Range: Short
Type: Supplementary
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Description: After performing the Tiger hand seal the user creates a clone of themselves made of water. These water clones have 1/10th of the users chakra. These clones are also limited in that they can only travel short range from the user without losing control. When a water clone take enough damage they revert back to normal water.
Note: Can only perform up to C rank Water techniques and requires a water source.
"Gather your water chakra while performing the tiger hand seal and focus the water chakra into a nearby source of water, you then maintain an image of yourself in your mind and cause the water chakra to form the water into a clone of yourself, give it a try."