"how much area to use? i believe it would be area encompassed by the strain gage?" ... no, it is not the footprint of the strain gauge. The material around the strain gauge is equally stressed. But if you don't know, then there are more fundamental issues.
"could you please elaborate on this?" ... no, it's too fundamental.
"could you please explain how is this better than having a gage on the web?" ... no, see above.
"could you please explain how is this better than having a gage on the web?" ... sure, a s/g on the web detects shear in the longeron, not bending.
"some more explanation on this please" ... no, see above.
another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?