Q: Side Entry vests? Helium Vests?

Got some questions about vests. I was looking at he helium vests and trying to make a decision
i have had so very little experience with vests and i live remotely for trying-on purposes.
so far of the all the vests i HAVE tried, the "hyperlite special agent" has been my favorite.

i was looking at the clearance helium vests (paisley style and the van-helium/voodoo style) they fit my budget.

1.) do people find the buckles on side entry vests a nuisance? not all, but many side entry vests have the buckles situated by the ribs on the side and i would think it would be uncomfortable and a rare potential for rib issues on hard side crashes? for example the helium paisley has them on the side and the voodoo has them slightly in front kinda like many of the jet pilots i've seen

2.) Is the Paisley truly longer than the vanhelium/ voodoo or is it just the way the vest is displayed? i like the idea of a longer vest.

3.) I absolutely Hate strap twisting! i am picky about it and if a vest has more than 50% of the strap hidden AT A TIME then i cant pull it out easily to untwist them for comfort. it looks like the Paisley has an opening at both sides to get to the straps, but the vanhelium and voodoo look to have 75% or more hidden... unless there is something i am not seeing, on the inside possibly?

3.b.) has anyone ever cut the neoprene on a vest to get to the straps for untwisting? bad idea? would it fray or rather tear over time if cut?

4.) Lastly, the sizing chart says S 36-38 M 40-42. i have a chest of 38". how true to size are helium vests? ive almost never had to consider a Small before, i usually land in the M-L sizes, not S.

i have only bought one name brand vest previously and ended up disliking it and moved back to my first neo vest. I would like to try again to move away from my cheap generic neoprene that is a bit too large and get something that fits better and more comfortable

thanks