Of course you know my answer bc I get to design my board how I like it to ride. If you look at the description of my board or listen to me anytime I'm talking about the ride, you'll hear me say those same things. But so will every other rider. If you've ever seen me take a full speed whip on my latest design you can see that I can get right on top of my board while in a slide. I try it on other boards and can't get even close. It has to do with the slight spine (spoon bottom) as well as the rolled toe and heel side edge to keep it user friendly. I also use this slide to get out farther up on the boat when I want to take my tricks big. I can get up next to the driver when the water is a little colder and faster even w the boat going straight. So that's to support the loose playful feeling you are looking for.
Of course technique trumps all so make sure you start with that, but surface area (usually the bigger the better), and rocker are the two things that contribute to boost. 3 stage rocker is something that I've stayed away from b/c of the flat spot. Never like the landings and didn't like the inconsistency of where the board rode under me. Would be tail heavy sometimes and nose heavy others. It's not a bad thing if you're used to it but I think it can create some weird habits like tail dragging toeside approaches. That's where the board doesn't point across the wakes, rather it points at the boat, which I think doesn't maximize power through pop off the wake.
This last go around, Greg Nelson and I messed around with 3 stage rocker w no flat spot. So the rocker is mellowed out between the feet which enabled us to increase it at the tip and tail. Gave us good snap off the wake, soft landings and predictable riding. There's some theory behind all that, but I'm boring y'all with too much talk anyhoo.
In summary, you'll enjoy my board but get the right size for you. People generally ride boards that are too small, mainly b/c the industry is a little off on their height weight charts. I'm a towering 5'6" 150 lbs and ride my 137. And my 142 isn't even that big for me.
Hope this helps more than it is confusing
Enjoy your ride
Shaun