Monte McGuire said:...it's much more annoying with SO packages, and downright unfeasible with more modern SMT packages.
Infeasible is a strong word...
My first prototype for my BS.Eng. thesis was a dead bug job with an MSOP8 and four six pin SOT-23. It held together long enough to prove the concept, but yes it was a pain to wire up. Strong magnification is required. Also a real SMT soldering tip.