Best based on what? Best changes for each source.

What is Best for you is going to be much different than what is Best for me. Most channel strips that I would consider on the list for Best, do not inlcude a gate.

In addition, what I think is Best is often not using a channel strip or making my own custom channel strip using various pieces of gear based on the mic and the source.

You need to find to hear one or more of them. How else will you ever know what really is Best?

You wouldn't be naive enough to go buy something based on what you read on the internet or bassed on one forum's opinion of what is Best?