I had my snug. Let me TELL YOU, I had it for 6 months and it was the worst pain ive ever felt. Not the actual piercing part, that was bearable, just the healing was hell. Ive healed over 10 piercings and I could not heal that little fuck3r, and it hurt for every second of those 6 months I had it.
I have my rook, I keep a hoop in it. Its really cute and really interesting. It is really hard to get jewelry in and out of, but most piercers charge you like 3-5 dollars to change jewelry so its not that big of a deal. The healing process went pretty smooth even though it had its bad days.
I have my industrial, and I LOOOVE it!! It wasnt very painful and healed very well. Most places carry a variety of jewelry, including industrial bars, and will choose one that will fit the length of your ear. The bars come in many lengths, so if you want it, its possible even though your ears are small.
I just got my conch done a few weeks ago, I got it done with a bar with a clear gem, and it looks adorable. It is by far my favorite of my ear piercings!! It does not hurt at all, the piercing itself didn't really hurt, and its so cute!!
Have you seen a tragus? I have mine, and its very small and easy to heal. Its one of the more common cartilage piercings, and most jobs wouldnt even notice that one.
I cant help you with the forward helix/orbital, because I really dont like those piercings or else id have them :P lol. The vet assistant at my vet has a dermal next to her eye, it probably just depends on the place. A piercing can be taken out though, so live your life and do what you want while you still can! As with all piercings, make sure you TAKE CARE OF THEM PROPERLY! It may seem like a pain at the time, but its well worth it. http://tattoo.about.com/cs/beginners/l/blpiercingtlc.htm That website is great for aftercare instructions.
Goodluck on whatever you decide!