OK just to add my tuppence worth.
Have flashed 153 and Recovered 47 from a buggered up flash (usually user error!!) No DOA's.
Only 1 - the 1st one mine - has ever had a modchip in, and that lasted exatctly 2 days before it was resigned and the TSOP was flashed. NOw it does have a lease of life in the TSOP recover area, so I am glad I hung onto it.
I think the TSOP way is neater, cleaner and less time consuming that modchips. Also it is less prone to shock or vibration in it's standard - all be it flashed form, No Mod to work loose, and if you Read The F*cking Manuals - AKA Readmes - in the files you will not go wrong.
Regards,
Si
(Edit for my sh*tty typing lol)