I build most all my figures from parts, rather than using SOB figures, except for the obvious ones like drivers and seated gunners, pilots, etc... When I first started dio-building, figures were few, and pratically NEVER doing what you needed,, so I got in the habit way back when... Now I see most guys hunting for figures (it seems) that work for the idea, rather than making them fit from the existing "replacement depot" of spare parts.. I've looked around m'self, but I find the cost of 18-20 bucks for a single or pair of figures to be just plain silly... Not that they aren't well-done, just that it's over-the-top for what you get, IMHO...
With stock figures, almost any pose can be done, and far cheaper than hunting down an after-market guy that's holding the cigarette in the RIGHT hand and dropping 16 dollars for it. Don't take this the wrong way, but I think it just lazy... When a guy can build a totally unique model that's a trophy winner but can't swap a head, bend an arm, or change a boot from a jackboot toa retreat boot, I ask, "What gives?"... Not to mention that the stockers are soooo recognizable, that it's almost laughable, if the same guy didn't keep showing up on dio after dio..
Sooo... Do you guys prefer to operate or go SOB, or just settle for the poses you can find/afford? Myself, wifey calls me Sergeant Franken-Steiner because I prefer to operate.... I haven't tried sculpting, other than headgear and such, or adding/removing web gear, life jackets, pockets, etc...