I have found that lower-end 9- and 10-speed cassettes (Veloce and Centaur at the very least) are all loose/individual cog deals. It isn't until the upper end that you will get cogs grouped on spiders. Spacing for 9-speed cassettes (and 8-speed, too) is the same. Spacing for 10-speed cassettes varies because....Campagnolo. I don't know why--they say it was to facilitate better shifting. The last time variable spacing, to my knowledge, was needed, was on 1980s Suntour 7-speed freewheels. Branford Bike has a chart with the individual spacers and their correct order. The spacing honestly doesn't vary by much. It's certainly nearly impossible to tell just by looking at it.

The pointy hood Ergos do look dashing, and very much at home on classic lugged steel. They also feel nice in the hands. The rounded hoods ones certainly aren't bad--quite comfortable in their own right with great performance--and look good on steel as well.