Some time has passed and it was possible to observe how the above cited tags evolved.
After a more carefully reading I came up with this proposal:
The CV tag questions (x8, +2) seems to label threads similarly to the main Stack Exchange site. Here it is their tag excerpt:
For questions regarding the nature of a "question" on StackExchange sites; e.g. how to ask, whether specific questions are appropriate, etc.
We could also import/adapt the current detailed tag wiki from it.
Both tags asking-questions (x2, +0) and specific-question (x2, +0) did not evolve and at least 3 of them would be just ok tagged as "questions".
The essential-questions (x6, +0) tag labels threads discussing about Cross Validated launching features such as: logo, promotion, moderators, faq, etc.
They have in common to be originated during the private-beta (pre-launching) phase. Here I propose a complement to give emphasis on that (either on tag name or tag excerpt).
Proposal Summary
- "questions" - import tag excerpt from the main SE Meta site.
- "asking-questions" and "specific-question" - make synonyms of "questions".
- "essential-questions" - create excerpt with something similar to:
questions involving Cross Validated SE preparation for the public phase