  Using the two-temperature model for ultrafast matter (UFM), we compare the
equation of state, pair-distribution functions $g(r)$, and phonons using the
neutral pseudoatom (NPA) model with results from density-functional theory
(DFT) codes and molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations for Al, Li and Na. The NPA
approach uses state-dependent first-principles pseudopotentials from an
`all-electron' DFT calculation with finite-$T$ XCF. It provides pair
potentials, structure factors, the
  `bound' and `free' states, as well as a mean ionization $\bar{Z}$
unambiguously. These are not easily accessible {\it via} DFT+MD calculations
which become prohibitive for $T/T_F$ exceeding $\sim 0.6$, where $T_F$ is the
Fermi temperature. Hence, both DFT+MD and NPA methods can be compared up to
$\sim 8$ eV, while higher $T$ can be addressed ${\it via}$ the NPA. The
high-$T_e$ phonon calculations raise the question of UFM lattice stability and
surface ablation in thin UFM samples. The ablation forces in a UFM slab are
used to define an "ablation time" competing with phonon formation times in thin
UFM samples. Excellent agreement for all properties is found between NPA and
standard DFT codes, even for Li where a strongly non-local pseudopotential is
used in DFT codes. The need to use pseudopotentials appropriate to the
ionization state $\bar{Z}$ is emphasized. The effect of finite-$T$
exchange-correlation functional is illustrated via its effect on the pressure
and the electron-density distribution at a nucleus.
