[DonRotolo]

I can only competently answer a few of these:

S2S (Sanded two sides) is the term for very smooth on both sides.

Aircraft Plywood is one term for high-ply material, 'hardwood plywood' is the term for what used to be available only in Birch (but now in oak, maple and cherry for example).

Both are available at my local Lowe's, and the really thin aircraft stuff is available at Michael's and A C Moore (craft store chains here in NJ).

Lasers leave a charred edge, most saws don't. Straight cuts are superior on a table saw, curves and complex shapes are trivial for a laser. But thick material (3/4") isn't easy on some lasers.