Safety Play Rules?

Decided to print up some house rules for 8-ball and 9-ball since it seems like every time a new guy shows up at our game we end up arguing.

I found a standard set of rules that I like. Two questions..

1. This set recommends that pocketing the 8-ball on the break is an automatic win. One of my good friends insists that it should be an automatic loss. I tend to think that if it happens the 8-ball should be re-spotted. :) What is the best solution for basement 8-ball?

2. This 8-ball rule set also has the following included. "Safety Play - if the shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an object ball, then prior to the shot he must declare a safety to his opponent. If this is NOT done the shooter will be required to shoot again".

I have no idea what that means. Was that left in there from a different set of rules or something because it makes no sense to me.

Edited to add - I figured out #2. Never considered that.

Edited to add another one.. One other point of contention I see is that some rules say if you scratch while pocketing the 8-ball you lose and if you scratch while attempting the 8-ball but do not pocket it you do not lose. Not sure why there are conflicting rulesets around this.