What's so special about the LG WH14NS40?

[NotMeOssifer]

This question isn't necessarily about UHD drives or indeed any specific type of drive other than a blu ray drive. I just couldn't see a general blu ray drive forum.

This week i've had some issues copying blu rays and i'm wondering if my drive is bad or if the discs were likely bad - https://www.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=21326. So i went searching on Google and found this thread https://www.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic ... 16&t=19145 talking about recommended drives and the mention of the LG as well as others.

Is this really specific to UHD drives? I'm guessing this is something like an Ultra HD drive? Which again guesswork is something like a 4k drive?
Really i just am looking for a decent blu ray drive to be honest. I don't use the bells and whistles discs like 4k etc.

I was reading about the need/advice of reflashing the firmware. Is this only really to speed up the reading process? As in would a normal LG WH14NS40 bought off the shelf today be perfectly fine, just a bit slower? If so then i'm fine as i'm in no rush when i rip.