In '78 I spent ~$150 on Panavise pieces; still in great shape, used frequently and a lucky choice in hindsight. Don't want to think of replacement cost...
If the board has a lot of parts, I'll install them by height. Start with the lowest to the board and build up in layers. It allows you to use a plate (metal, blank board, etc) to hold that layer in place while flipping over & soldering.
I'm not much on the alligator clips type jig, I seem to spend more time in setup than use.
That said; tools, fixtures and the like are Very season to taste. G.H... <<<)))