You couldn't talk me into hand-holding 12s. That said, they work great for others. This sounds like a personal preference where you have to figure out the tradeoff that suits you best.
Buy both used and re-sell the one you like least would be my vote.
I have had the 8x42NLs and upcharged for 12X42NLs and I loved those. But I got the 10X52NLs and can tell you that big pigs or not... They are the best binoculars that I have ever had. Worth the weight. If you can only have one... book it.