Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Solid vs. Engineered

We are considering engineered wood floors over solid just because they are less thick, can be installed with staples and more stable. We have a 3/4 plywood subfloor, no children, no pets. The floors would join a 1/4 slate floor at the kitchen and carpeting in the bedrrom hall. It seems preferable not to have the 1/2 height change and not to loose so much baseboard height. Is this a dumb reason to go with engineered?

Also, is there a manufactuer that has long strips? More quartersawn oak? The living room area is 20x24. I would prefer not having the patchiness of short, wildly grained pieces.

Thank you for your help.