I can only speak for the 7M, but you can get MLS gaskets in a few different thicknesses. The thicker gaskets have a thicker core.
On a turbo'ed engine, the reason for going with a thicker gasket is you don't want the compression ratio rise from shaving the head or deck. On my NA, a higher compression ratio is a bonus, so I continue to use the stock thickness gasket even though this engine has lost about 1mm (I think) from the head and deck.
Generally, if an engine did not originally have an MLS gasket, the deck and head need to be surfaced. A smooth surface finish is absolutely required for an MLS gasket. The manufacturer is not going to do that if they're using a composite gasket.