Breadboard, yes, but if you're making your own PCB, I'd argue that SMD for the micro is easier (not to include BGA, but everything with perimeter pins, I think SMD is easier, even for the home hobbyist).

For SMD-only parts, there are SMD to DIP adapters readily available to let you use them on breadboards; for relatively low-frequency digital work, there's no problem using them, so being available in through-hole isn't a practical advantage.