I can’t claim to be an expert in all things laser. I have had a 3.7w laser for several years, but hadn’t used it much recently. I just got the 10w, but really like it so far.
I’ll tell you what @vicious1 mentioned the other day in another laser discussion - he said that for grayscale etching, you’re better off with a lower powered laser, because it will have more precision between barely etching and burning right through, which would give a wider range of grays. I’m sure this is probably true. However, I don’t plan on doing a lot of etching grayscale pics. Maybe at some point, but not now. I’m more interested in cutting and burning black and white images at the moment.
Because those are the things I’m interested in, I LOVE the 10w laser. It’s a lot of cutting power for less than I paid for the 3.7w years ago. So yes, I recommend getting the Ortur LU2-10 laser. BTW I got it for $20 less than on the Ortur site from these folks: 10W LU2-10A Laser Module for Ortur ＆ Aufero Laser Engraver
Another thing - besides the laser - that has been making this latest foray into light amplification is Lightburn. Seriously, if you buy the 10w or ANY laser, get Lightburn. So simple and yet sooooo powerful. I’m doing all my design work right in Lightburn. I have a camera set up so I can put material on the table, take a picture - which appears in Lightburn - and then just arrange my design exactly where I want it. Also has built in tools for managing artwork, burn settings for different materials, rotary settings - it’s amazing, and I would not be enjoying myself half as much if I didn’t have it.