I've done pretty extensive cabling in commercial applications while working in IT related fields (engineer by trade).
In most cases CAT5E is still the go to cable for 1GbE up to about 300ft.
Personally, I never purchase CAT6 due to the ~180ft length restrictions on the only real benefit it has (10GbE).
CAT6A is what I run when needing 10GbE and don't have to worry about running cable outside, electromagnetic interference, or extremely long runs. In those other cases I'd be moving to fiber.
When running cable to desktop PC's or VoIP phones 1GbE is plenty. Theoretical max of ~125Mb/s while transferring files should be plenty for what 99% of people are using their desktop PC for. Even desktop virtualization doesn't require more then 1GbE. If you are pushing very large video/CAD files in an enterprise environment maybe you can make a case for wanting more.
Where 10GbE is beneficial and predominately used is in the server room/rack. Top of rack switches that need to be as fast as possible. Linking between racks, stuff like that. Even in large enterprise installments it's not uncommon to see a Cisco collapsed core topology with a 10GbE aggregate layer 3 switch at the core/distribution layer and 1GbE layer 2 switches at the access layer for the best price/port. Storage virtualization also tends to see heavier use to 10GbE (again hooked to the 10GbE switch). And some application servers, depending on what they are for, will have 10GbE network cards in them. But again all that is in the server room where the runs are very short. Only exception I can think of is when you need to run a fast link between a main server room to a secondary network closet (uh, I can't remember the correct term for the secondary closet). Regardless, everything along the line has to support 10GbE or you are wasting money. 10GbE patch panels, keystone jacks, switches and/or router, and network card/port in your server/PC. If you think you'll see increased performance access your NAS with 10GbE cable but your router only has 1GbE ports and your NAS only has 1GbE ports then you'll be spending considerable more money to upgrade those then the cable. Also, although I haven't had a chance to test myself, I've heard from many people that a quality Cisco 1GbE switch will outperform some of the newer and cheaper 10GbE switches on the market (ie. Netgear has some cheaper 24 & 48 port 10GbE switches but I've been told the a quality 1GbE Cisco switch performs better).
As for STP (sheilded twisted pair) or in this case S-STP, which has both shielding on the individual pairs as well as an outer shield, I find this is only really necessary in areas with large amounts of electromagnetic interference. I've not seen a home installation that really needed it. Mostly useful in hospitals and industrial environments where light ballasts and machinery are plentiful. Even in those cases, many times it is possible to route the cables away from any interference. It does however help reduce alien crosstalk. How much of a difference does this make? Honestly, if you don't know if you need it, you probably don't and you won't see any difference. Just don't run your cables parallel alongside your power lines and you'll be fine.
Any WAN side discussion is pointless to the topic.
If this is solid core cable, you might want to state the rating. CM/CMG (general purpose), CMR (riser cable), CMP (plenum cable), LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)? Looking at the pictures it looks like they were lifted from here;
http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-In-Wall-Shielded-Ethernet/dp/B004KPGQ04 making it CM rated. The price works out to ~$26/100ft plus keystone jacks and stripper/punchdown tool. FYI, stripping and using a punchdown tool are extremely simple and aren't that expensive to get. I personally love the punchdown tools that terminate all 8 wires at once on large installations, really speeds things up. Last time I used ICC keystones with there punchdown tool here;
http://www.icc.com/p/809/jackeasy-ezhd-termination-tool. Fluke makes one as well.
I think that about covers my rambling for today...
