building my own R&S lab

I do all my practice with Dynamips on Linux plus 4 x 3550 plus one access server. 3550s are running at about 200-250USD on Ebay, a huge difference compared to 3560s. I may rent a rack with 3560 a month before the lab to practice specific 3560s features. I had full hardware lab but switched to Dynamips. I find it just better than real routers, for practice off course. I specifically like the possibility to save initial configs and work-in-progress so I can re-start any lab in seconds…

I am not sure I am getting your question about troubleshooting experience… do you mean real life experience compared to rack experience? Well, my humble personal estimate is that most ccie candidates do not have enough troubleshooting experience anyway unless you support many clients who call you only when something goes wrong. I suggest you practice with troubleshooting labs. Narbik has one free on his site and you can purchase more… I personally did not try it yet so cannot comment.