I have all three, real Microchip PICKit 0, 2 and 3 and 3 is my favorite! (I know many proclaim the 2 to be the best!)
I bought my first EtherDongles from the first COOP, yes, they had solder problems. You're correct, it's a risk buying "sight unseen." It was that COOP that pushed me into a real hot air station. Wow, that's been a while!!
Thank you for your suggestions, keep them coming!! Have a very excellent day!!

joe