upgrade system 1st be softmod or not?

I am running wii version 3.4u & the Wii is still a virgin.
If you had the ability to start from scratch would you upgrade the WII version from 3.4 to 4.x ( the latest) & then start the software mods, or would you start the software mods & then upgrade. I'm looking for the best of all worlds, most applications, ease of install, lowest % of bricking.
Thanks

Update to 4.2 that the latest and use bannerbomb v2 [bannerbomb.qoid.us] then you will need the homebrew browser [wiibrew.org] you can find all you need to know on the wiki on how to install everything you need [wiibrew.org] after reading some of that and following what it says if you still help let us know.

Follow those steps you won't brick, 4.2 gives you the the option of accessing the sd card menu on the system menu screen, which is better then 3.4. It will be easier IMO to update to 4.2 first then hack it and install everything you need.

Thank you for the straight forward answer. I was thinking that it would be easier & probably get more out of the hacks with the latest & greatest.