Mmm from your list there here's a few of the "lower end of the scale/unknown mods" you've got that I think should be moved up and why:

Archimedes' Ships Plus - Airships and ships that can be used to sail/fly around should be enough said if I'm honest. The one big bug I've seen so far is in a modded version of this mod to make it work with Terra Firma Craft where it caused a ship's blocks to change direction based on the cardinal direction the ship was stopped in. This is likely to be a bug unique to the TFC version of the mod due to how blocks in TFC work. (you have a hammer and chisel tool and can carve blocks in to slabs, stairs or even bit by bit).

Pam's HarvestCraft - I've done a fair few mods now and Pam's is one of the best farm mods around. Adds in lots of different food stuffs and much more depth to the food stuff. I know you can survive on a 64 stacks of 64 steaks forever but this is fun and works well with other mod types like skyblock to add some much needed depth to the world.

Extra Utilities - This is a basic yes to most modded minecraft games. Extra items like lanterns you can craft (very useful in world mods like TFC where torches burn out over time)

Iguana Tinker Tweaks - If you're going with Tinker Tools you need the Iguana Tweaks. Effectively allows you to "level up" your tools and gain small bonuses to the tinkers tools so you may have an axe that's faster or self repairs. This is pretty much standard if Tinkers is on your must have list as it makes keeping your tools in good shape feel more rewarding. Tinkers Tools on it's own simply makes tool making more complex.

Tinkers' Mechworks - Pretty much all the tinkers mods are fun. This one from what I recall allows for you to make more specialised mechanical stuff.

I've heard many good things about growthcraft but I'm going to be honest, I've never played a game with them so not sure how necessary they are.

Personally I'm more of a fan of non-thaumatic mods. Magic and potions in Minecraft can get a little bit too much imho. Probably why one of my favourite mods is Terra Firma Craft as it actually in it's base form removes all redstone and magic based stuff.