Gee, LR hint was complicated and more long-winded (9)

I believe the answer is:

lengthier

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'more long-winded' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are comparative adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'gee lr hint was complicated' is the wordplay.
'gee lr hint' anagrams to 'LENGTHIER'.
Though, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for lengthier that I've seen is " Extending further".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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