Hello (More experienced than myself) Laser Users!

What are the benefits of cutting with air assist? Specfically, vector cutting as I have only played with the raster cutting option a few times.

I have an Epilog Mini 18 25Watt. Most of the materials I have cut on this laser since I bought have been thin wood veneers. I have cut a few pieces of 1/4" mdf for homemade templates. The darker wooden veneers (woods with more oil in them) have darkened edges after cutting, the mdf is completely burnt as I would expect given it's raw material makeup.

Would this be any different if I used the air assist?