I'm not convinced that the veneer tops are quite as fragile as we are led to believe. The top on the violin bass is also thin veneer and had no issues when sanding it. I think that people are working too hard. The paper will do the work without needing to use massive amounts of pressure.
I agree with you Rabbit. A healthy dose of caution is not a bad thing, but it seems many treat the veneer like it was rice paper.

Admittedly I have only done one PBG kit with veneer, but during my pre-dye prep, post-dye de-nibbing and clear coat process, I was never concerned about burning through it. Mostly because it required very little prep work or between coat sanding and the paper grades needed were light enough that you'd almost have to try to sand through it.

I would definitely avoid using power tools though .