*hits the brakes* yea, guess I did just kind of rush there.
I agree with your listings on pikmin, especially since you explained the almost-non-existant yellow hitstun the other day; don't need them clogging up a grab combo.
As for stages, I usually ban Frigate against them. The second transformation (with the platform) isn't too bad, but the first one is a very high stress environment. I try not to even count the rising platform on the right as part of the playable stage (too close to getting gimped) which leaves a very small space to play in. Add to this that Snake can drop a C4 bomb on the tiny platform on the left and half of that space becomes a minefield, literally. Like I said, the second transformation is fine, but the first one is a bit too high risk for my tastes.
For counterpicking, I keep it old school: Final Destination or Battlefield. I like Final Destination because I don't have to worry about C4 being dropped on platforms above me (a la BF and SV for a few). I feel it also restricts his approach options, not to mention it makes it easier to punish his landings. Final benefit: there's a lot less stage control going on. I guess this is the same as my first reason, but, imo, Snake isn't as good as creating dangers zones on this level as he is on others.
Then there's Battlefield. The reason I like this stage is because of good old fashioned juggling. I pretty much take any time Snake lands on a platform to be an open invitation to uair, and I don't know the specifics on Snake's shield but I don't think I've ever seen someone block every single hit. The disadvantages on this stage are that Snake can control the stage better with grenades and C4, plus there's less room lengthwise which makes pivot grabbing his DACUS less of an option. However, I think that as long as you're smart at getting around his obstacles this stage can be good, and there's still fsmash to stop DACUS so it's not too much of a loss.
And for starter stages, I also think PS1 is a fairly good choice. I think Olimar adapts to the changes better than Snake does, and the constant changes keep Snake from gaining too much stage control. The only transformation I actually dislike is the Rock Stage; if I'm on the left side, it's too easy for Snake to drop grenades and camp me; if I'm on the other side, the stage is very cramped, and I dislike being that close to Snakes ftilt, plus grenades also become a problem (at least for me they have).
I think that's all I have to say about stages. Definitely waiting to hear from the more seasoned players