Is there some standard scripting used by Windows firewall software, or
do all of them have to be administered through their individual pointy-
clicky software, or at least loading them from some common
configuration file?

After having to install apps I am getting tired of having to
familiarize myself with each ones management interface, and it is
worse when there are usually 2 or 3 versions of each brand in the wild
at all times.

In the case of the Windows 7/2008 family, should I restrict myself to
the built in one, and restrict 3rd party firewalls to monitoring
outgoing connections

Is the Windows 7 family comprehensive enough?