I've got a project that has lots of tracks, automation, markers on the ruler, etc. and I need to add at least 16 bars to the beginning.
Whats the best and hopefully the easiest ways to do this?
 
I tried inserting empty measures from the end of the project but the Markers on the ruler didn't move - maybe I didn't do it right.
Didn't check to see if the automation lanes shifted before I reverted.  Worried that I'm going to end up causing problems that I'm not going to catch till later.
 
 

Should have checked help, it's all there... 
https://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR%20X2&language=3&help=EditingMIDI.33.html 

In practice, though, it's hit and miss what actually gets moved. Sometimes it can work perfectly, other times I'll find markers or automation or whatever mysteriously being left where it was. Inserting stuff in the middle of a project, especially one with lots of automation or tempo/meter changes is a recipe for angst. I'm guessing the upcoming Ripple Editing will solve a lot of this stuff though, but for now... good luck!

I have set the snap to grid resolution to MEASURE.... highlighted/selected ALL the tracks in the project and used a simple DRAG function to move tracks in a project one direction or the other. .  You would include all the markers and envelopes if those options are available  in any dropdowns that show up.

I think you'll have better luck dragging everything to the right. Apparently the "add measures" has known issues. It did weird things for me.

I've always used Insert Time/Measures without a single hiccup.
 
But you must make sure everything relevant in the dialog box is checked otherwise you WILL get screwed up results.