Designing power supply with 5v and 3.3v from a 12v supply with switching regulators
I'd like to start all over and make a proper working prototype on the
  bench before making another board.


A better idea might be to resolve the issues you have with the TI devices/PCB. What you might find is that your assumptions about power layout on that PCB were incorrect but you'll never realize that if you move on to a different design and you'll quite possibly carry that erroneous thinking thru and find your self in exactly the same situation.

As for a proper working prototype on the bench - it's unlikely that anything other than a decently designed PCB will suffice and you will be left scratching your head once more.

I'm 56 and I use glasses and magnifying goggles to help me to solder 0603 components and SMT chips so you should consider that this sort of equipment comes with the territory of the technology.

You might find some non-SMD parts that are easier to breadboard but also you might find that these don't perform adequately if you don't use a circuit board designed to make this circuit work.