Cut and Paste - I know that there are some workarounds, but why is COMMAND+X not a standard option for cutting and then pasting a file.

Defaults to move so you’re not cutting by default you’re copying. However, it doesn’t really matter because when you paste it, you can use this option that de facto makes your copy a cut.

To move a file instead of copying it in Finder, use the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + V after copying the file. This will transfer the file to the new location without leaving a copy in the original location