I have tape - its rubbish. Gets all twisted and wires break at the corners. I have found solid galv wire best, but don't know on the rope, although its got to be better than tape. Have had no problems with stakes, mine are 4 ft and quite thick. I have found at corners its best to spend the time to put in a braced wooden post otherwise the strain is too much. As to getting out, ours haven't, and i know a farmer who doesn't have problems, but i think electric fencing is only really for subdividing, not as a perimeter fence.