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I'm new to the community, and would like to start by asking what style of packing you prefer. Once you vote, feel free to post a reply and explain why. I prefer to flat pack so far because it is neat, although the pro pack takes up less space.

Flat pro pack, over the shoulder pro pack, or on the ground stack pack is what you should have surveyed. There is a dramatic difference.

You basically answered your own question. Both have pros and cons. If you have the room, flat pro stack is probably more efficient in terms of not having to do things over once you set down the packjob. But, if you don't have room, go for the pro pack.

You can pack on the ground in the same amount of space as over the shoulder. Sure you can spread your shit out every where if you want, but it is not necessary to.

Because it depends on the setting:
Outside I almost always flat pack,
Inside a hotel room I pro pack.

The terms "flat pack" and "pro pack" are fairly misleading when applied to BASE pack jobs. It's probably better to refer to a "pro-stack" or (in my experience even less confusing) just call them "over the shoulder" or "on the ground."

There should be no functional difference in the outcome of the pack job, no matter what method you use.

It's really a question of personal comfort (and ease).

In my experience, new jumpers have an easier time visualizing (and controlling) the canopy if it's laid out on the ground and packed there, so I generally teach an "on the ground" method to students.

It's not that packing on the ground makes a "neater" or "better" pack job. It's that it is easier for a specific jumper to make the pack job "neater" or "easier."

The "flat pack" used to mean the flat stack pack (or factory pack), prior to the invention of the flat pro pack. Over the should pro pack or on the ground pro pack are the same. PRO pack meaning "proper ram orientation."

The flat stack pack (or factory pack) was called the flat pack for years. The flat stack pack was used in base jumping from the early 1980s to the early 1990s.

in that case, I prefer the on-the-ground PRO pack because it's easy to visualize, it's easy to keep neat and there are no steps done double. I do it faster than the over-the-shoulder PRO pack.

I first learnt packing using four elastic bands, eight clamps and a few straps, but now I find it just as easy using four clamps (and my feet) instead. But I don't do the low shit yet. When I do I'll probably try out the elastic bands again :)

What are the elastic bands and straps used for?

If you are using them, are you at least using neon flags on your tools?

The straps are to make anchors for each side of the packjob, one at the rig and one for the bungees. You then attach four clamps to the top of the canopy above where the A, B, C and D lines "end". Then one bungee attaches one clamp to the anchor, thus keeping that line group stretched. It works like a charm but I find it's kind of an overkill. Probably more critical at lower deployment speeds.

I don't put any flags on any of my gear, but I count it. If I were to use packing weights I'd probably tag them, but for now I just use my foot.

I haven't found extra neat to result in a better opening performance for low jumps. Usually, the pilot chute, the pull force on the pins or velcro, and body position seem to be more important than ultra, ultra, ultra neat pack jobs, especially considering it get pulled apart pretty rapidly on deployment.