I've kept quiet on this up to now, but I have to jump in now.
1.) That ES8000 lock appears to be nothing more than what effectively amounts to a drop bolt. It will effectively function as a maglock, because it doesn't appear to have any mechanical override (I can't find an actual cutsheet to verify). That means it's effectively as useless as a maglock or a drop bolt, both of which have code issues and generally are a pain in the rear for someone who actually wants a secure facility.
2.) Vertical rods are the devils creation. If the door doesn't have a mullion, INSTALL ONE. Any supposed savings you think you might be getting will be eaten up over the life of the devices, especially if it's a frequently-used door. If it's a door where deliveries frequently come in, install a keyed removable mullion so you can remove the mullion for deliveries and reinstall it afterwards.
3.) If you MUST use vertical rods, do yourself a favor and use ELECTRIC latch retraction (not motorized) from a reputable manufacturer (i.e. not Hager, Falcon, SDC, Yale, Arrow, Detex Cal Royal, Corbin Russwin, or any other garbage manufacturer) and ensure they are installed correctly. For all but very specific applications, i would specify less-bottom rod so that only the top rods are installed and the bottom rods don't get damaged, the strike filled with gunk, or any number of a thousand other issues you're pretty much guaranteed to have. If you have a high-security application and you absolutely must go with top and bottom rods, do yourself a favor and train someone in maintenance on how to clean the strike plates and recognize issues with the bottom rods.
4.) Do not, under any circumstances, regardless of what the architect tells you, install concealed vertical rods. I don't care if you think it looks bad, I don't care if it doesn't match the aesthetic, unless the architect is personally footing the bill for the maintenance on them, the answer is no.