GT doesn't move that fast.
Congrats on the marriage!
The 80GB is the best version, unless you want backwards compatibility for PS2 and PS1 games. That's the base line.
The network information is baloney. You just need to specify your country and you're good to go. I have a Canadian PS3 account as well as a Japanese one, and I can go on the Japanese store whenever I want. I think it all comes down to credit cards and which ones work in what countries.
I think the Sony store is more liberal. Microsoft's is a lot more strict. For example, I can easily have a US Microsoft account and see all the TV shows they offer, but I can't buy anything with a Canadian credit card. PS3 doesn't really have that issue, so I think it's fine.