With a big disclaimer that I've never played an X30, I wonder how much of the grand piano sound in the videos you referenced is due to reverb/echo added to the mix. The version of Tahitian Skies played by Pat Muldowney was beautiful. Perhaps an email to Emerald would tell you how that X30 was recorded.
With regard to #3, I asked Emerald if the veneer affected the tone (I have an X20 woody in the build queue). They said there is no noticeable effect. I believe when final sanding is done the layer is only 0.3mm thick. But I'll be interested in the replies from any people that have made the comparison.
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