Which TT the Pro-Ject RM-5 SE or Rega P3-24?

I would disagree that it is harder to collect vinyl. There is plenty of great vinyl out there to be had - I have easily almost tripled my collection in the last six months, spending far less than I would have paid for the equivalent amount on CD. The Rega is definitely far better than the Project, too, as everyone said.

I agree with Tvad's suggestion you audition the Technics. Its' build quality and speed stability are superior to the Rega. That being said, in my experience, when both are properly set up I prefer the sound of the Rega. It's a personal choice.

I thought that one kind of had to put up with surface noise, clicks and pops as a given.

Is this a beginner's naive idea? (I am really asking.)

I don't know much yet about the world of vinyl, but I thought that the thing was that the sound that one could get through all of the imperfections was worth it. Over the last 4 months I have had a lot of fun going to the used record store in town--some of what I have found end up being unacceptable, but the guy lets me return those records. So far I have been listening to what some have called a "forgiving" TT (the pro-ject debut III)--don't know if that has anything to do with the fact that I have enjoyed it so much that I decided to upgrade.

Near Mint records, properly cleaned, can sound very quiet. They will never be as quiet as digital. Analog LPs
are played back via a friction based medium. The musical satisfaction, in my opinion far outweighs the flaws. Trashed and dirty records are going to sound awful. A final suggestion, if you are happy with the Project why change? The upgrade treadmill is hard to get off of once you start. A record cleaning machine may be a better use of your money.