Did an entire house (incl kitchen) gut job last year so went through all of this recently.
1) Matching only matters if they are side by side. Brand doesn't matter, but "temperature" does. Some stainless will be bluer, and others more warm. Case in point, Delta sells many of their faucets in 2 tones of stainless. You wouldn't want a "bluer" stainless fridge right beside a gold stove, etc. But if you got a 2 or so feet between each, you're fine. Matching brands is a non-issue, pick the best of each appliance for your case.
2) Gas. End of story. I cook a lot and my 36" 6 burner "pro-sumer" range (Blue Star) is the best money I've spent at under $4k. Once you go gas you'll never go back.
Induction has benefits, (good output) but I've used a few and it is a pain getting beeped at when you lift up a pan to toss contents, drain water, etc. Too finnicky.
3) Stainless. You could get a colored range (most high-ends do that) if you want something unique. But there is a reason it is timeless and transcends fads.
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