Haven't you ever seen dead bug style prototype?
Answering first post -
@tomchr provided very interesting measurments at another forum
LM3886 PCB vs Point-to-Point (with data)
SO-8 and 0805 is quite doable with small circuits.
Besides, the handywork above is not point really to point wiring with a star ground, this is closer to a glassfiber-free PCB.
As I am not a member at DIY audio I cannot see any pictures there. (I know I could register, its free)
I was referring to TQFP/LQFP components and 0402 parts but I guess using adapters makes this possible as well.
Come to think of it I did repair a PCB once where a TQFP that was (not so skillfully) removed by me and tore of some traces.
I repaired it by scratching off the soldermask and soldering single strands of thin standard supple montage wires.
Topped off with plastic spray.
And when someone can do this (see below) chances are someone can build a mobile phone using point to point wiring as well.