In view of all the discussions for and against SMD , it might be useful to
point at a component supplier located in Birmingham -England . He is Chris,
G8CHW who I recently discovered as having more than 7000 items in stock ,
even Germanium semiconductors from the 1960s. Have a look at
www.modecomponents.co.uk. You'll be surprised what's available,including RF
components. He exports to the european continent ,although I imagine he
would be happy to also supply US customers .
Another supplier from the Birmingham -England area is JAB Electronics ,who
also have various items keeping the radio homebrewer happy : www.jabdog.com
.. They accept VISA/Mastercard.
Another supplier to check is Sycom , www.sycomcomp.co.uk

Conclusion : Here in the UK there are no problems with getting any
electronic components at reasonable prices.

Frank GM0CSZ / KN6WH