Going back to the OP I think the Jackson Racing kit is the best setup for a DD.
- What can $5,000 get someone in a solid FI build?
The "factory tuned" kit is $5k +/- taxes/shipping and if you are paying for installation.
- What necessary hardware/tune upgrades should a DD be looking at along with their FI kit purchase?
For a DD the kit is complete out of the box. But if you want to track the car then you want to get an engine oil cooler.
- What kits will provide someone with a Daily Driver/OEM-like quality/application and experience?
In terms of OEM quality, Jackson Racing has been around for long time and knows their stuff that even Honda went to them for their CR-Z supercharger kit.
- Is there a FI application that is considered safe? So that the car may have the potential to reach the long term (100,xxx miles give or take on their car)?
There are still cars out there that are running the older Jackson Racing eaton kits. My brother has a Rotrex kit on his car designed by Oscar Jackson, and it has over 100,000 supercharged miles and it has given him no problems.
Plus I see your in CA, and that CARB sticker would be a huge plus. Definitely after the 5 year mark, who wants to keep uninstalling and reinstalling for every smog check. I think a DD shouldn't have a hassle of worrying about being pulled over or not being compliant.