How do I add people from outside our domain to our distribution lists?

I am trying to add people from outside our domain to a couple of distrobution groups (using sbs2k3).  I found that I can accomplish this by adding the outside users as new contacts in Active Directory (I couldn't find a way using Server Management).  I then added the contacts to the distrobution group, and everything seemed to be working fine.

I have two questions, however.  

First, is this the 'proper' way to accomplish my goal in an SBS environment?  I know that using the wizards is recommended, if not required, but I couldn't find a way to do it using Server Management.

Second, and more important, is does creating a 'contact' in active directory count towards our available CAL's?  I wouldn't think so, but since creating the new distrobution group, we are getting some 'out of licenses warnings'.  I am unaware of any other admins adding users.  In the licensing section of server management, I now see 30 installed licenses with a maximum of 33.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Scott