I haven't gotten high enough level on my mage to understand the pros and cons of magicka pool vs regen, but I do know that regen I find is what I was drawn to first at low level. In the long run, perk points are going to reduce this cost and most likely at a brisk pace so investing heavily into magicka is maybe good for lower levels but higher up I personally don't see the point.
Yes Regen as far as I am aware stacks, you can see it under active effects menu.
And so you are thinking of a mage using light armor but no melee weapons? I was going to delve into this on my conjurer since I use no melee on her but found the joy of bound bow, and I just stay robes for looks now. I can't find the urge to perk anything in light armor.