I am focusing on TB's, at least for now. I have 9 Award of Merit and 18 Honorable Mention...but they are all babies...still need to grow and multiply! Eventually I hope to add some of the other sizes/species...or whatever you call them, especially the SBD's and MBD's.
I buy what I like...but if I have not actually seen it in bloom then I have to rely on what others say about it, what the database says, whether it has fragrance, reblooms, or is a proven parent...etc. If it has awards I assume (perhaps incorrectly) that it is more apt to grow and bloom well. I also appreciate the notes some of the hybridizers include in the descriptions on the AIS wiki or in their catalogues.
