Stage 1 and 2 are no longer available (I mean technically you could, but it's not suggested). Stage 3 was super easy, even with kernel from source.
It takes time, sure, but it can compile on background. I got 16 threads on my CPU, so leaving 12 for emerge, I can still use the PC.
I get that people joke about 'days of compiling', and maybe it's real for a huge mass of packages, but even if, it doesn't stop me from working.
systemd anyone?
ducks for cover