killervette, I can't avoid remembering when I was making the same questions.
On the Area arrangement question, the most common configuration is having 1 Area per house, and 1 Zone per each door, window or cluster of windows (same frame). You should allocate or include spare zones for future miscellaneous/automation sensors, however. These miscellaneous/automation sensor are better when connected to the controller panel (or in some instances, like to call-in audio option, they must be connected to the main panel). Since security zones work equally well in the zone expander, you might want to consider one for your design. However, do not over-design. While you want to have the best design before construction, there are always options for retrofitting. For adding more zones that originally contemplated, you can always include a Wireless Expander plus wireless sensors. As I said, a hardwire zone is always better, but the secondary options are not that bad, neither.
This is learning that I have acquired thru several years of reading this forum (while you get the most in just 3-6 months, depending on how active you are). In addition most topics are discussed during the launch of a technology. The M1 alarm has a few years already, so there is a lot of questions answered in this forum. Conceptual questions (like your original question above) are more difficult to find using the search button, so while you get to learn to use the forum, most of the time the easiest way is asking. We will end pointing you to a prior discussion. However, specific question (like for a specific device model) are very easy to find using the search function.
On your last question, the M1G can call your cell phone and playback a pre-programmed message, but it will not tell you any detail on zone triggered. It can also send you a pre-programmed e-mail, but again, there is no detail on what happened. I think that the M1EZ8 does not have voice module, so I think it cannot call your phone. I would recommend the M1G anyway. The M1EZ8 has too many restrictions.
This company provides monitoring service:
https://nextalarm.com/index.jsp . It is not an endorsement - just check the available offerings so that you can understand the possibilities. If you get the Ethernet expander you can have the M1G notify to them via internet instead of phone. I would assume that an internet connection should be faster that a phone call.
If you want to automate lightning, it would be best to consider the inclusion of a hardwired lightning system in the design too. Please search for 'hardwired' and/or 'lightning'. You will be overloaded with information. As with the zones, there are always retrofitting options (X-10, UPB, Z-Wave, Insteon). Each and every single one of those options (wireless or Power Line Control) have their drawbacks (discussed at nauseum in this forum), but in general, they work. If you do not have budget for hardwired lightning system now (or just wiring for installing it in the future), you will be able to use any of these retrofitting lightning technologies.
I have deviated from the original topic to try to give you a big picture. But, if after making your searches in the forum you still have a question on a topic different than Zones, I'd recommend you to create a different post. We try to keep the posts topic focused to help future users to find solutions to their questions.
