> But for some reason hobby folks starting out seem to want a
> smaller package. I never figured out why.
>
Assembly complexity (or perhaps PERCEIVED complexity) is dependent
on the number of connections you must solder/wrap/connect (and
perhaps on the number of number of holes you have to drill.)
Also, large chips get you into the depressing realm where sockets
for the chips are depressingly expensive.

BillW
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist