The second board is finally taking shape! I'm using a new wiring technique as described here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Prototype-Without-Using-Printed-Circuit-Boa/
TLDR-Version: I am using AWG30 wire for making point-to-point connections on the solder side.

You have to prepare the wire and also work very carefully (not to burn off the insulation of any nearby wires for example) but you are rewarded with a much higher circuit density that is actually less chaotic! Therefore the additional work is worth it!