What does M Hayate mean

There are two moves that are called "technical" by the engine: throw defense (LP+LK when your opponent tries to throw you) and quick stand (down when you are knocked down).

Reversals are related to timing. A reversal is a special move done at the first frame of recovery (after a knockdown, block stun or hit stun). In example, if you do a Shoryuken right after get up from a knockdown, it will count as a reversal.

The best approach is a combination of all of the items in your list. Muscle memory is the most reliable trigger. This allows you to perform these links in different conditions, such as with network or TV lag. However, the sound and animation also contribute and aid your muscle memory. Many tournament players will play with headphones so that they get the maximum benefit from all factors.

When learning a new link, it takes some effort to learn the timing. There really is no trick, it just comes after trial and error. For example, take Ryu's f.HP -> cr.HP. If you don't see the cr.HP come out, you were too early--slow down. If the cr. HP comes out, but the training dummy blocks, you were too late--speed up. Once the timing is in your head, it comes down to repetition to build your muscle memory.

Plinking is very useful. You should get in the habit of plinking in bread and butter combos. You might want to turn your inputs on in training mode to verify that your plink inputs are correct. The inputs should appear similar to how they do in this tutorial video. If plinking is done properly, this should almost double your success rate for the 1-frame links.

Also, it can help to think "outside the combo". Is your opponent mashing dragon punch when you go for a combo? Then it might not be in your best interest to go for the combo on autopilot--do one or two hits of the combo, but then block and bait out the uppercut.