hi rappleman,
It depends on just how the the agonists work for you. Some including myself tried and could not take the agonist. For me they made me sleepy. All I could do was sleep for about 6 months each Requip and Mirapex before I got off of them and started l-dopa. I have been on the l-dopa for almost 12 years now and still working well for me.
PD is a designer disease. I don't know of any two patients taking exactly the same dosage and combination of medications. I would suggest trying the agonist first. If they work for you great but do not be afraid to go to the l-dopa if the agonist do not work.

GregD