. . . i've heard good things about the french polish. . .
I'd like to know what you heard, and who you heard it from. A French Polished finish is super easy to repair. Of course, sort of comes with the territory because its so fragile in the first place. Only guys that really do French Polishes well, will attest to its value. Anything less than a well done French Polish is basically a Shellac finish that needs to be buffed out, IMO.
Personally, lacquer finishes are super easy to repair as well, and they're not as fragile, unless you're into vinyl.
My preference, spraying, anything. I use lacquer mostly, but have also done polyurethane. I like both - urethane requiring more skill to spray. I've done French Polish, will not do it again. I've seen a shellac finish, buffed out, which I'd rather do than French Polish (learned that from Les Stansell). Can't
claim it as a French Polish finish, so the price has to drop a few $$$. Of course, I'd probably use the shellac as a base, and spray nitro over it eventually.
I started out cheap, already had the compressor, and bought a cheapo $100 gravity feed HVLP conversion spray gun, which did the trick, until I got the Sata. Of course, I already knew how to spray - see Allen's videos for his lessons, hopefully more to come.
But I didn't know how to fill, until a few years ago - thanks to Rick Turner.