Choices, Choices, Choices!

[PS2ModChip]

Choices, choices, choices! There are so many options when it comes to PS2 mods! There must be a right answer somewhere. I am hoping you can help!

1. I live in the USA and have a version 5.
2. I have games – CD and DVD-Rips.
3. I don’t care about DVD movie features.
4. EA games can be patched; not a problem.
5. Soldering difficulty is not an issue.
6. Compatibility, ease of use, stability, performance and dependability are issues.
7. Must be available now (so much for the Messiah).
8. I am not looking for the cheapest; just the best available now, in-stock, today.

There’s been a lot of discussion concerning v5 Pals, v4 NTSC, etc. What is, in your opinion, the best solution for the above scenario?