Choose a quality brand, not a store brand. Kohler and Delta are my favorites, in that order. Others may say Grohe and the like, which is great if you can afford it. Most common is a high arch faucet with a pullout spray.

I'd also like to recommend Hansgrohe.

And within those companies are all faucets created equal?

Usually the inner parts are the same, the trims, or outer parts, drive the cost up depending on selection.

I did some reading on ceramic disk vs. washerless cartridge and went with the ceramic disk type faucet.

And is finish just preference or is there a quality difference between the various finishes?

I have seen oil rubbed bronze finishes that you could scrape off with your thumbnail. Brushed nickel, stainless steel, and chrome are more durable and timeless to me.

I read today, somewhere on Houzz, that one should buy a 16 gauge ss sink as they are thicker than an 18 gauge sink, are more durable and don't dent as much. Any comments from our "experts"?

Any specific Kohler model you would recommend?
Looking for a single hole, pull out faucet.

I checked out the forte - K-10433-VS, but it did not have such positive reviews.

Check out the Kohler Simplice.

I found a very reasonably priced Delta - Linden series 4153-DST.
Do I go with Chrome or SS - what are the pros and cons of each?

I like the Kohler Simplice pull out spray feature better. the Delta seems like your wrist would be in an uncomfortable postion when pulling it out and maneuvering it.

The delta faucet extends out further (not the pull out, the actual faucet piece) and is also taller, which is why I selected it over the Kohler.

Any thoughts on chrome vs. SS?

I would go stainless since your sink is, what color are your cabinet pulls/knobs?

Redoing the whole kitchen, waiting for the cabinets to get in before selecting the hardware.
Does one finish stain less or clean easier?

I'm probably the wrong person to ask that question. 8-)

I would recommend a Moen faucet They have a great warranty. Look for real stainlessfaucet not plastic finish. price range $150-$250 The satin finishes are clean friendly & spotless friendly. Also if you haven't bought a sink yet be sure it's deep. Some of the newer ones are not. The higher the gauge the better the sink. Also don't forget all your metals don't have to match ie faucets, hardware on cabinets.

My plumber doesn't like Moen, for what its worth.

Our stainless faucets clean up with just a swipe of a towel. No stains, spots or discolorations. Ours are Hansgrohe. Can't speak to the finish on other faucets.