Note that the single-transistor solution is going to need at least 3 components (base resistor, transistor, collector resistor)

And it's highly questionable, whether transistor inverter shows as reliable switching performance as 74HCMOS inverter. Fast transistor inverters need very low impedant collector or drain resistor. So, when inverter turns on, large supply current is caused.
Only a push pull output can fast switch without resulting in big supply current. But this one would need two transistors and special driver stage. Just what a 74HC04 incorporates!

By the way, I cannot see any relevant disadvantage in using 74HC04. If you use SMD package, what do you want to save then? Costs? Space?

Kai