MacBook Pro :: Difference In Performance Based On File Format NTFS Versus HPS+?

I've just ordered a MBP 2.4Ghz with 7200rpm 750GB drive, I will be adding either a single 8GB memory stick (total of 10GB) or a 16GB kit.  I'm looking for my first SSD use as a boot drive for OSX and potentially Win 7 in BootCamp and hope I can get some counsel on model selection and configuration. I read that SSDs suffer a performance drop (sometimes significant) as the drive fills up.  Also there are both 256GB and 240GB drives. 

1)  Are there models that maintain performance over time?  Is there a specification that indicates how performance drops as the drive fills up? 

2)  Is there a performance difference (current / long-term) between 256 and 240GB drives? 

3)  Does an abundance of RAM improve performance and / or longevity?   

4)  How much space (if any) should be kept free for swap files in OSX / Windows? 

5)  With 240 / 256GB SSDs, how much usable space is available after formatting? 

6)  Is there a difference in performance based on file format NTFS vs. HPS+? 

7)  Do I need to be concerned about major name brands (Intel, Samsung, OCZ, Kingston, etc.) being incompatible with MBPs? 

8)  Are some SSDs easier to install / configure / maintain on a MBP than others? 

9)  Are there any issues I should be aware of regarding the installation or use of a SSD that would impact my MBP's warranty? 

Based on performance, reliability and 5-year warranty, I've been attracted to the Intel 520. I've also read good reports on the Samsung 830.  One review indicated that the 830 maintained performance over time while the 520 experienced a significantly greater drop.

Info:
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3), 2.4Ghz, 16GB RAM, 750GB 7200rpm