Hi Craig,
Re the different types of “UHF” connectors, the M series from Japan is almost the same as the UHF but sufficiently different that some genuine Amphenol PL259 plugs won’t mate with a type M socket, due to a slight pitch difference in the outer thread. The “UHF” series was so named a long time ago, when anything above 30 MHz was regarded as UHF, but it is far from a valid name now even though the name has stuck. They are non constant impedance, take time to connect and disconnect and are bulky. Some types require soldering of the connector to the braid, which often results in melting of the inner insulation and if the user is not experienced enough in preventing it, can actually result in a shorted cable as the inner conductor moves over towards the braid within the melted insulation. The PL259/SO239 connectors on most ham radio equipment are there because they are cheap and most people can use them, with or without adaptors to other more convenient connectors. Where possible I substitute a BNC socket.
For SOTA use all the way up to 1296 MHz I use BNC connectors and RG58 sized cable. Short lengths are not sufficiently lossy to justify anything of higher quality though there are some similar sized (eg. LMR) cables that have lower losses. Whether the improvement in transmitted power or receiver sensitivity is actually worth while is something each operator needs to decide. 1 db cannot usually be noticed. 10 db can be noticed especially on vhf/uhf receiver sensitivity. The feedline lengths required for SOTA are not sufficient to justify lower loss cables for HF and VHF in my view. UHF - if I am trying for a distance that could be marginal I will improve the cable.
The SMA series was complicated by the wifi industry deciding to create a reverse polarity version, where the plug contains a socket and the socket contains a plug. This was intended to make it difficult for people to use existing connectors, antennas etc, but pretty stupid given the ability of high volume manufacturers to make adaptors which are readily available from the auction sites. I think though, you are referring to radios being either a male or female connector, which complicates the requirements for antennas, amplifiers, etc. I think you are doing the right thing by checking out the connectors required by your gear and making sure you have the right cables in the backpack when you need them. I carry a small plastic box with several compartments, with PL259-BNC, BNC-BNC (MM and FF) and stereo 6.5-3.5mm adaptors (needed for one of my radios that has a 6.5mm socket for the key). It adds a bit of weight but has saved a few activations from failure.
Edit: adding a comment about RCA (phono) connectors. The original design of these was a simple 50 ohm connector apparently rated up to the gigahertz region, which is why Collins and Heathkit gear used (ceramic insulated) versions of these on their radios. It wasn’t due to being cheap, it was because when correctly manufactured and terminated it is a good RF connector that is very easy to connect and disconnect, unlike the poor old PL259 series.
73 Andrew VK1DA/VK2UH