equipment help creating hi quality dvds from tape and miniDV

Question: I am involved in a huge project for a non-profit to copy hundreds of hi-8 tapes, VHS tapes, and mini-dvs to DVD for permanent (or as permanent as possible) archive and to have one copy to play. We are trying to get as high quality as possible for each medium. They do not need to be edited at this time, just copied. Because there are so many, a simpler solution would be ideal, but quality is the issue.

Currently we are using:
to record: a Panasonic DMR HS2 DVD recorder.
To play back mini DV: Panasonic PV-GS9 digital video camcorder.
To play back 8 mm tape: Sony Video Hi8 with flying eraser head, EV-C200.
To play back VHS: Toshiba M-66.

mini DV questions:
1)X Is there a difference in quality copying from mini DV to DVD depending on the quality of the playback camera, or is this irrelevant?

2)Is it better to play back mini dv from a non-camera deck because of so many tapes? If so, any recommendations?

3) Although we don't need to edit now, we will need to within the next year. Does it therefore make sense buy the equipment now and to copy to a computer and burn DVD's from the computer, or wait for new developments?

4) Is firewire the best, and is there any difference in cables?

other tape questions:

5) Do you know of any equipement better (ie, faster, simpler, higher quality) than what we are using?

Many, many thanks in advance for any help.

Cerulean