Hey Sam... Your observations about Phoenix's quality parallels my experiences with another Phoenix product. I have the 126" Westland Lysander, and I've found the over-all quality to be very good. Yes, you will see some covering sag or bubbles up the first time out in the sun, but nothing that a heat gun or iron can't handle.
Regarding the plastic spinner, the Lysander came with one also. Just use #3 x 3/4" socket head servo screws, and it be OK. Just check the run-out, and don't use a starter on it. I'm using an EME 70cc Electric Start Twin on the Lysander with no problems.
I'll be at Streator this weekend. See you there. ~ Bob.