I do like the simplicity of a mech option. My collection is about fifty fifty. Mech's just seem like anyone with a basic understanding of electricity could keep them operating forever. That's not true when there's a chip involved and wiring takes space. I liked the tinest form imaginable.
Totally with you on this. Mechs can be made the smallest, and there's nothing that can go wrong with them that I can't fix myself.
Rough cut with a saw, rounded with a sanding drum on a drill press, 510 extension cut to size and supported by a brass ring made from a spare part. Makeshift but works great.
FYI I saw an interesting configuration of a side by side using this
http://www.heavengifts.com/WISMEC-OLED-Screen-VW-MOD-Control-Head.html
Yes, with a short atty like a Goblin Mini, can be great combo for converting a side by side mech to regulated. Haven't felt the need to do it myself, but I've seen it done too. Thanks for your thoughts.