Probably doing things differently, but I have a barbell approach, no ETFs.
All long term holds.
70% Dividend payers - Cdn Banks.
30% Tech. - Apple, Google.
Cash flow is protection for me as it gives me optionality for deployment into attractive companies.
Dividends and earned income provide cash flow for investment - about 50%:30% these days.
Doing this approach, you need to focus on quality and valuation at entry.
If you want Tier 2 names, ETFs or keep to < 1% of the portfolio.