Thanks for all the comments. Here is some feedback:

The Palomar telescope: quite an interesting story. My answer: would it be
better if many could build their own with parts from Sears and Home Depot or
is it better as a one of a kind made from Southern California trash ?

DSP10: definitely a very good design but with a different goal. I think that
adding a DSP substantially increases the barrier to entry but I take note
that this was suggested a few times (even if it will end up just replacing a
$1.26 demodulator). In the TX chain the DSP implementation is actually more
complicated because it would require an additional mixer (assuming that the
only goal is FM) instead of directly modulating the VCO.

Taking parts from Radio and TV: this is how I got started in electronic 30
years ago. I would not suggest it to someone who is starting in the hobby.
One reason is Murphy. This TV might be in the dumpster just because the one
part you need failed !

Dan's Small Parts (http://www.danssmallpartsandkits.net/): very good, thanks
for the link. I would sometimes want more information about some parts but I
guess this is why there is a phone number to call.

Toaster reflow: I will look into this but this getting border line for me !
I decided a few years a go to stop making my own PCB's and order them online
(APC circuit or alike). I may do the same for soldering !

Market for APRS + XCVR: I am not looking at it in term of market but rather
combining 2 interests (RF and µP) on one platform.

Zero-IF: I don't know if this has been done in a decent 2-meter receiver. If
anyone has a pointer I would be interested

Experimental Methods in RF Design: it is on my list of book to buy now (if
you own this book, check the errata. They are online).

Mouser: I will have a better look at their line of inductors (by the way, I
prefer adjusting the inductor due to some old memories of melting adjustable
capacitors !)

Philips: yes I looked at them. The only part they have left is the SA615.
This market is more or less gone. The big professional users are moving to
digital voice...

TI: they have fast D/A (400 MHZ) out of which a motivated hobbiest could
build a DDS but I did not see synthesizers or DDS parts. I will double check
and have a second look at ADI's DDS

I will update the group after I make up my mind...

Bernard