How do you guys select models for a specific task?

For a rough idea for a new feature i use sonnet-3.5 max, which gives me initial code to start, then for a relatively smaller file generation and its related changes, i use the normal mode, what do you guys suggest? using auto mode is scary coz i dont know which model will it choose

$$

probably

Claude 4 Sonnet thinking for ask (0.75x of a premium request)
Claude 4 Sonnet for agent (0.50x of a premium request)

If I need MCP context when I start (getting details of a story or an exception) my flow is:

Agent (MCP request)
Ask (rinse & repeat while I plan and discuss)
Agent (execute)

Otherwise it’s:
Ask (rinse & repeat)
Agent

I manually select model.

I like Gemini 2.5 Pro a lot, but it’s not compatible with MCP.

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Before claude 4:

planning: Gemini 2.5
agent: sonnet 3.5

now probably:
planning: sonnet 4 thinking, sometimes Opus 4, large context 2.5
agent: sonnet 4

Cmd-K: deepseek 3.1 (free)

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