MN3005's

[TNblueshawk]

I am really curious how the DIY community will transition as through-hole ICs and transistors are clearly on their way out.

Soldering SOIC and SOT type packages really isn't that terrible, but everybody really seems averse to them.  Of course, you can't easily socket them.

I'd be willing to bet that you would find a huge dip in people wanting to start this hobby if they had to dick around with such small components. I for sure would not be as excited to build. As it is now I need reading glasses and use a mag glass for much of the soldering I do.