I have not done 0603 for a while. Prototyping 0603 without a stencil was hard for me. Now I'm using 0805 on all my newer boards. Unless I feel the need to squeeze components, I use 0805, components all stay on one side. My boards have become more specialized. Generic shields don't sell anymore due to ebay competition. I do have a board designed specifically to make use of ebay electronics and all-thru-hole design. Will have to post on the forum to get some traction.