Design questions

Long time reader, first time poster.

Currently wiring my 50 year old home for whole-house audio distribution and I am trying to pick out the actual controller. Any input here is greatly appreciated. Just a little background, here are the features I'm going for:

-Multi-zone control (obviously) with the ability to control any zone from other zones
-Two sub-zones (bathroom extensions off existing zones) with volume control
-MP3 playback off an existing network attached storage device, not a proprietary piece of equipment (ala Sonos)
-Internet radio playback
-Intercom/paging integration (if possible with baby monitor like functionality)
-Metadata display at the zone panel (FM RDS, MP3, Ipod, CD, etc)
-Local zone line-level connection (e.g. outlet in a zone allows for local speaker playback or rear speakers in home theatre revert to zone playback)
-Ability for a zone to become a source (ties in with previous feature)
-Zone synchronization of any source (again ala Sonos)
-pricing in the $5,000 range (not including speakers)
-ability to upgrade to home automation (hvac,lighting,etc)

From reading here and visiting my local a/v shop, it seems a few of those are out, because on my price requirements. It seems that the Netstreams device comes the closest but definitely outside my price range. What I am currently leaning towards is the Speakercaft MZC66 + 1 Sonos ZP/Controller based on the recommendation of my local dealer. I originally wanted the Russound but local dealer thinks MZC66 is more reliable in the long run. Sorry for the long post, here are the questions:

-Am I headed in the right direction with the Speakercraft+Sonos config or is there a better solution with similar cost structure.
-Is there a solution that can handle more of my features for the money I'm looking to spend?
-Does anyone have input on the Speakercraft vs. Russound debate?
-Can the MZC66 integrate easily with an intercom system (Russound has add-in)?
-For the local zone input, I have been told to wire cat5 instead of speaker wire and use some sort of Elan converter on both ends. Is that the best way?
-Doing all the wiring myself and not averse to any DIY work if I can get all my features, any suggestions there (just read the MCE 2005 thread which sounds interesting but don't really want a PC in every zone)?

Again sorry for the long post, I just want to try and have all the best information before going forward. Any input greatly appreciated

Justin

Just a quick update. Sorry I knew I shouldn't have made that first post so long. Since posting that I have done a little more research on the Home Automation side of things. I contacted Control4 and as probably everyone already knows, they are a dealer only company so I won't be going that route. As of yesterday, I was leaning towards a Russound A/V and then upgrade to Home Automation down the road. This morning I started reading about CQC and MainLobby and I'm starting to consider taking on this whole thing as a DIY project with Audio distribution being the first part. It seems there are quite a few forums around with people who have done that so there should be plenty of info out there. What I'm hoping to end up with is a 6-zone solution with touch panels in each zone that can control everything in the house: HVAC, A/V, Security, Cameras, Irrigation, etc. Probably pretty ambitious considering the only Home Automation I've done to date is simple X-10 and the only infrastructure I have in place is 2 RG6, 2 Cat5e and 2 14-2 to each zone. I really think it's the only way I'll be happy with the solution considering if something stops working, I'll want to fix it myself, not wait for some dealer/installer to come over and diagnose.

Thanks for the response. Just like you mentioned, the main problem I'm having is what equipment to buy right now. I started this whole thing to be able to play my mp3 collection anywhere in the house and now it's grown to this. Now I just need to find out which A/V distribution system is most compatible with a HA system like MainLobby or CQC