Yeah I got the CEG addiction too. I just wanted to answer a few questions on the Zetec now I have three of these cars. It gets really bad. You might want to stop while you can.
As far as the SE/SVT debate. It depends. If I had it to do again I might find a used 95 SE and do a 3.0/Bulldog Conversion. It would be more cost effective if that's your eventual plans anyway. Plus there are always the insurance bonuses but since you have a duaghter who is driving, I assume that's a non-issue for you.
It really depends on what you want. If you can find a good price on an SVT then get it. Otherwise start chasing down an MTX 95SE