For payment issues, is there any one remedial option - stop payment notice, bond claim - that is preferential as a first step or to be pursued over the other?
Generally, I would recommend pursuing both as it will provide maximum protection. In theory the payment bond should have enough money, but you’ll have more leverage and be more likely to get paid quickly by sending a stop payment notice as it stops payment to the GC which should motivate them to prioritize getting you paid. The surety won’t make a payment on the bond unless it is convinced of the validity of your claim. Generally if there is any dispute, the surety prefers to wait for the issue to be litigated.