Basically, Larger Frets allow for easier Fretting. However, they can also require a little more TLC. They need to be Dressed/Crowned a little more often, is all though. Not a huge thing.
Smaller Frets require a little more pressure to get good, solid Notes ringing out.
I would DEFINATELY hit all the local Shops, and try guitars with different Fret Sizes. See what feels best to you. What I wrote above is only a broad generalization.
Also, on different trips to the Shops, make sure to do a similar investigation into different Scale Lengths. Another round to look into various Neck Profiles and Widths.
What is the Width at the Nut, that you prefer? Why?
What Fretboard Material do you prefer? Why?
What Neck Profile do you prefer, Boatneck? Small V? C? Why?
How many Frets do you want? Why?
The "Why" is a big one to ask and definately to answer, for each choice. You may find you actually prefer things MUCH DIFFERENT than your favorite Players. Many Players are very surprised with their own choices, when they actually take the time to answer those questions, as opposed to just going with the familiar.
For me, I prefer either 21 or 22 Fret Necks. These allow the Neck PU to be in the "Sweet Spot" where the Harmonics and Tone are more fully realized, IMO.
On a "Strat", I usually prefer a Tremolo Bridge, even when I tighten it down flat to the body. I really don't like the Feel or Tone of a Hardtail Strat.
So, it's a lot of little questions that you'll see come up. The more fully you answer these questions, the more you're going to enjoy the finished Guitar.
Hope this helps.
Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30 or Custom 4 X 6v6 Head or Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats.
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner
