Thanks for the awesome feedback guys!
Silver, your flies are amazing. The picture looks like it could have come out of a fly tying book. Hopefully some day mine can compare.
I'm looking to tie most of the common flies for the bow / southern Alberta (EHC, BWO, Adams, PMDs, stimulators, etc). So I think I'll go the neck route for the hackles.
Also willing to spend a little more up front for the hackle since in the past I've had a tendency to buy cheap then upgrade a short time later. I've been tying all my nymphs and some of my dry flies since I began and it's definitely more rewarding catching a fish with your own tie.
I'm thinking of investing in quality 3 or 4 necks to start my foundation for dry flies. A brown, grizzly, dun and cream colour. Do you guys think that is a good start or are there any other recommendations?