... for an old-timer like me to use 0402's is quite a strain, and I've even considered the "smaller" parts. What I often have to do is to use tqfp/vqfp-packaged parts that have half-mm pin-pitch or even 0.4 mm pitch, and, in those cases, in order to provide "short-lead" bypass to supply rails, it's necessary to solder the bypass members directly to the component pins, but in the 'Z' direction, with #24 solid wire providing the rail-connections above the package, as I use wire-wrap adapters to provide a suitable site. Often I've had to "super-glue the 0603's onto the component, but I prefer the smaller parts soldered to the pins. Unfortunately, I have to get someone with better eyesight to do the deed, as I don't see the things well, and my hands aren't as steady as they once were.

BTW, those adapter boards, now available quite cheaply on the www, have 0.4 mm outline on one side and 0.5 on the other, which requires that one remove the common connections in order to reduce reflections and radiation. I personally use a cutoff wheel on a Dremel flex-shaft handpiece to do that. It helps noticeably. Fortunately, once on a "real" PCB, the long-and-unterminated-lead problem no longer presents itself.

RE