Honestly, I have no issue with veneer. I have a bunch of Ibanez guitars with very thin 3mm tops and veneer. If it looks good great!

Actually there are videos on YouTube, people have tested it and "tonewood" for the most part is just nonsense (certainly in electric guitars). There is an effect on acoustics of course, but the bracing, configuration, size of the body, etc. also has a large effect on the sound.

I honestly like all guitars that are at least decently made. I've got a Ibanez AS93 I got new as a return for $275 up through a Gibson Custom Shop 59 Standard Les Paul ($4400 if memory serves) as my most expensive. The Gibson has better pickups and more "value" I love them both. Great amps help mediocre guitars sound great, great amps help great guitars shine!

Just enjoy what you've got and pick based on how they sound if you can try them in person, if not, roll the dice and make sure you buy from a place that allows returns. I've bought probably 90% of my guitars online. I mostly buy them for looks now as my collection is absurd. I've gotten lazy about checking specs and they come as a bit of a surprise once I get them, but it's always fun O:-)

Happy Sunday! Keep on playin!

Here's my Tele I'm building (before lacquer): https://imgur.com/a/aXXTjN5

It's got lacquer drying now for ~14 days. Then I can wet sand and start assembling. So many stupid errors but one fun project!