When I said "moving selected loads from the panel to be backed up would be un-reasonable", I was actually thinking of a conversation I had with the owner. They basically wanted everything back up EXCEPT the pool panel, but, they want to run the filter. However, in order to run the filter you need to run the pumps, and they have (3) 1.5 HP pumps, which is the only thing on the pool panel because their heater is natural gas. So basically the only thing they didn't want to run is a fountain, and some landscape lights. In my opinion it wouldn't be worth re-arranging their equipment to avoid powering landscape lights.
With my experience, when a home-owner that owns a 8,000 or 9,000 square foot house says they want a generator, it means they want EVERYTHING backed up, even when they say they don't.
With my experience, when a home-owner that owns a 8,000 or 9,000 square foot house says they want a generator, it means they want EVERYTHING backed up, even when they say they don't.