I too have had both big blocks and small blocks. Both of my cudas had 440 6 packs in them, one auto and one 4 speed. Both of my Challengers are small block cars, again one auto and one 4 speed (although the 4 speed car needs a resto). For me I prefer the small block, less weight, better handling, better mileage, better braking, and behaves better on the freeway compared to the big block. The big block looks cool under the hood and like stated when comes to wrenching on it the big block is more accessible.
Given the choice I will almsot always take the small block over the big block.