I have done 8,12, 3 plus a 4th later, 2, 4 and alone. I see benefits to all of them. You never know in advance how the trip will go.
Since Buda I have met others there and played with members.
This fall I will do 8 to Donegal and 2 of us proceed to Buda.
My friend Jack is a welcome companion on any trip even though he’s a hard headed lawyer!
Mixing it up is probably the best. Several trips to Buda I traveled alone which has the ultimate flexibility and chances to connect. On others Jack has accompanied me.
The larger groups often have one time only visitors that I want to make sure remember their trip fondly.
On my 12 trip we played the big courses twice. This fall we play St.Patrick’s twice.
I see the end of my travels to UK/Ireland so savor every trip.
However you can go to Britain I say “Go”!