1. Would an account devoted exclusively to options require more or less equity as compared to just outright positioning? In other words, would the recommended minimum account size be different?
This depends on if you are buying or selling options covered or uncovered....nothing new there.

2. % of account margined, would selling options allow one to lean in harder than one would if trading outright?
The margin % depends on your broker's requirements, contract specifications, how many contracts you are holding, volatility, how close the underlying is to your held options....etc. Most brokers should have a margin calculator that will give you the margin required before you enter your position. Margin requirements can vary considerably from broker to broker because they have to cover their a$$ also. They also have the right to factor in your past history of trading if they want. Read the fine print. I maintain about 60% cash and use 40% to trade on margin. Over-positioning is detrimental to any trading account.

I'm in my fourth year of selling options uncovered, this year and from here on out this will be my only method of trading. There are so many scare tactics out there about why you should not do this, many of them true, but the fear factor is overwhelming.

If your a geek you will like this: www.vadertrader.net

This is a non-vendor site that has a Star Wars influence with trading...