I see Dave likes orange, I have tried soldering surface mount components, yes the smaller components must go first.
the big issue I had soldering surface mount is avoiding cooking the board and lifting the mask. if you are re-soldering mishaps.
on a multilayer pcb project. the need for good 3D magnification.
here is an idea for hobby electronics kit design.is to fabricate a proven, reliable design to pcb, then keep some, and sell off the surplus pcb's online.
looks like the key is a good hobby kit design is the component symbols on the board mask and easy-to-get reliable components.
maybe an idea in a hobby kit is to have some of the smaller surface mount components in part pe-assemled.
letting the kit builder add some thru-hole components for the project completion. less soldering mishaps
and allowing for customization. like the type of power supply or the angle orientation of a display.