Fairchild J201 in TO-92 package available on Small Bear

[ThatDude]

Going back to the original question...

My response would be the following:

1. If you prefer working with TO-92 transistors and don't mind the slightly higher price, then yes get some.
2. But if you can solder the SMDs or are willing to buy SMDs pre-mounted on adapter boards. then I would get those instead. An advantage here is that the SMDs were made with newer semiconductor & lithography technology, so their variances are tighter. I.e., they are typically better.

I hope that helps.

This does help put things in perspective. The NOS excitement wore off after I posted, and I can solder SMD components or get the pre-mounted ones with better tolerances like you said. This is the way. Thanks!