SparTalk - standing rigging reconsideration

Greetings Brion and all! I currently in the begining phases of completely redoing a 1973 T30 and have been doing as much research as possible about the systems that go into running a sailing boat. I picked up the complete riggers apprentice to learn about splicing and wound up completely engrossed with the topic of standing rigging design. It was perfect how all of the formulas and "voodoo" of rig design was laid bare for the reader to digest and apply to their own situation. After reading it I went back and examined my rig and due to a number of ugly little things (bent/kinked backstay, undetermined aged of wire, duct tape wrapped turnbuckles and terminals) I realized that in order for me to be sound of mind, the rigging needed to be replaced.
I was originally going to ask about the benefits of mechanical terminals but as this has been greatly covered I'll ask a different question. Would it be advisable for a very handy but boat building novice to completely replace his own standing rigging? I'm a soon to be college-grad who has more time than money on his hands and would I plan on using 304 1x19 and stay-locs (though I have to admit I'm intrigued by the idea of eye splices...). I like the idea of the mechanical terminals since I can make, service, and check them myself. I'm hoping I wouldn't need to re-machine new chainplates, but if I do, I'm familiar enough with stainless fabrication and finishing that I could do it. I have other questions but I'll start with one and read on in the forum for now.