@zero Indeed, short-term gain would be taxed differently than long-term.
It seems we agree the gains from any event after exercising are taxed as gains (short or long) and only the discount on market price at exercising is taxed as wages.
So, I think the part of OP that says "gains from selling stock bought under an Employee Stock Purchase Plan count as wages” is not true, except by "coincidence".
That said, I'll look into the details as time permits. But OP is prolly right. 🙏