interesting, satisfying, and frustrating Totally agree with that sentiment.
Depends on the desired final result. For most applications, I would use the longest one in your arsenal that you can control on the width to help keep everything straight. I usually use my 608, but will also use a 606 on edges that are 3/4” wide or less because it is easier to control (don’t have a #7 size and not sure I need one). If there are multiple boards, then I clamp them all together and use the 608 to do multiple edges at one time. Your situation is different however—I do not have a power jointer, so the hand planes are used for all jointing.
If it is just to clean up milling marks on a final exposed surface then a smoother set to take very light shavings would be fine, just ask Paul Sellers—he can use a #4 for almost anything. Of course, he is far more talented and experienced than me.
-- "The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money." Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835
