Every planet's surface sample in 1 go.

[IncongruousGoat]

48 minutes ago, bewing said:

Plus, the OP basically specified that this was supposed to be a single ship -- not a flotilla of discardable pieces.

I parsed the OP as: I want to do a grand tour, and get surface samples from every body in the process.

Actually trying to build an SSTE is something completely different, and (in my opinion) only worth it for the Rule of Cool. In any setup where you want regular transport, the tedious gravity assist and mining-filled flights of an SSTE are no good, and anywhere else a one-shot mission is all that's required.

[Spricigo]

2 hours ago, bewing said:

Plus, the OP basically specified that this was supposed to be a single ship -- not a flotilla of discardable pieces.

That was also my impression. 

Within those parameters a SSTE is not an option, but the only option.  And the advantages of other methods is only relevant as a tool to evidenciate the challenge ahead.

Personally, I have no interest in building/using a SSTE and very little in doing a grand tour. Nonetheless I appreciate the achievement of those that take those challenges.