I refrained from the poll, since I can't really identify with any of the options, but I'll throw my 2 cents in.
As someone who is just jumping into proper electronics (used to be into electrics, as it were) the first thing I noticed when I started browsing around and gathering the state of things was that there is no point even trying if I wasn't going to face up to SMT. I figured there was no use learning everything required for even basic circuit and project design if I was going to limit myself by the many constraints of all/mostly TH designs. Parts availability, cost, size, heat dissipation, etc. made SMT a clear necessity, so I jumped in head first.
SOIC packages are nothing major, since I have good eyes and no hand tremors. Resistors down to 0603 are fine, but I give them more space on the board than any competent person would so that I can more easily avoid bridging. I think moving into 0402s is only a matter of using up my 0603 stock, and convincing myself that buying 0603s and up on the grounds that it would make building a pick n place a whole lot easier is not completely sane. I keep a couple 80pin 0.5mm QFPs on the corner of my desk and occasionally glare at them. I know they mock me when I sleep. My goal was to have one in a working circuit by the end of the year, but I am on track to fail since I have eased up on the "basic skills" learning curve in favor of applying what I've learned so far. I.E. dicking around with basic circuits and figuring out what I did wrong.
I really advise anyone getting into electronics to jump on the SMT wagon from the start. It is only intimidating until you've soldered your first couple chips. Then it's mostly fun. And cursing.