Buy a Rem 700 Mountain with a Supercell pad on it. It kicks less than a 30-30. Mount Talley Intergral Lows with the same Butler creek mountain sling as mentioned in your other thread. Shoot 150gr for everything, bullet construction has come a long way and if you need to pop an elk, bear, or moose, you can use a premium with one of the better projectiles. 30-06 Federal Blue box is all you'll need for most everything. Your biggest hurdle is finding a good scope that fits the long action to your liking. You most likely prefer the extended front set

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Talley-1-Sco...item51bce03d7a

Yes, stronger than the 308. Thats the cool thing about the 30-06, the cheap $14 a box ammo is better than the most expensive box of lesser calibers.
I've found this stuff to be hell on wheels for deer and priced right
http://www.winchester.com/Products/r.../X30061BP.aspx

You'll never need another rifle, you'll have plenty of cheap ammo.

No, higher grain does not mean more stopping power. There are too many factors to discuss here.

It really depends on you and not us Internet forum warriors. I can tell you that you can't go wrong with a 30-06. I can tell you a 7mm-08 generally carries more energy downrange than a 30-06. I can tell you I've seen far more DRT kills with nasty meat damage from a 95gr 243.