Good questions John, I will try to answer them to the best of my ability. But I would be interested in seeing some more opinions and better educated answers from other members also....
1) Is a half cage an option or are they only acceptable for those that already have them?
Yes they certainly are an option, but I thing they are probably more aimed at cars like a Spider or an MX5 etc.
2) Is there an accepted appropriate design for our level of motorsport?
Not to my knowledge, but in the 75 I would put a 6 point with a couple of strategic brace points
3) What are the pros and cons around weld in and bolt in cages?
I am no expert on this, and it kind of comes down to FIA/CAMS regs and what stage they are at as to what is acceptable and what is not (may as well built it to log book it to open up your options of what you can do with the car, the 75 would be a good 3J car)
4) Are cars road legal with cages in Victoria?
Yes, as long as there is appropriate access in and out of the doors.....Best to qualify this from Vic Roads however.
5) Would the recommended design change if during the remaining life of the car it may end up with a 164 or 24 valve V6 in it?
No difference in cage design.
6) Who offers a good reputation and balance of product and price?
Mark Jamieson at Eastern Racing Fabrications. 0419 696 660
7) What budget expectation should I be thinking of?
How long is that piece of string? 2-3K?

What weight penalty do you have to accept?
How important is your safety? Weight will be somewhat offset by removal of carpets, underfelt, tar. Not to mention the gained strength of the chassis and how much better the car will handle as a result