The best template is to create one from your own store. Export the full store for example and you can see what information is used to describe your product.
As to the products_id and numbering. If you use the model# then yes the products_id is expected to be the next available products_id basically using the database tables definition of what is next. (autogenerated number) if you use products_id as your unique identifier, then autogeneration only occurs when the selection of blank_new is made in the configuration window and the field is left blank on import. Otherwise the product will take the products_id that is assigned for that row.
It is relatively versatile and has many ways to accomplish the desired task even if there are a few things still on which to improve.
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