Man, I've been using "solder suckers' since 1968... it's about the specific type, SS Tip, Solder amount and type... experience! and familiarity with the type of SS you're using .... but then wick is great, also, and for many situations wick is the best choice.... both have their applications, and knowing when to use what is also experience. SMD removal can still be a pain, with typical equipment, and a lot depends on the type solder used and your other tools... Sometimes ya just have to load the device with gobs of solder, use wick, and pray to whatever Higher Power is nearby... then Joe's method of "gentle upward pressure on each pin" with a tiny fine point 'scribe'... but, if there's an abundance of solder, even that doesn't work well...
Cross your fingers and do your best...