Hard line VS soft line?

I'm changing my car over to hard line and am looking for opinions.

I seem to remember per NHRA the rule is like 12" total soft line under the hood?

What about aluminum vs steel line?

And jumpin jiminy, just the fittings alone will cost almost 500 bucks, then a 1/2" 37 degree flare tool....

OUCH....

Not to mention I dont think anyone in history has ever ordered all the correct fittings in one order....

What do you folks run and any advice what's best?