RE: Returning to RC flying, radio questions.
I haved used y-harnesses many times. They don't cost me any extra as I make my own. Of course I all of my servo leads are also custom length. I realize that most modelers can't do this type of soldering reliably...
I did what you guys did and bought pro-class radios. I even have a 10X. They will do everything under the sun, but you can do most anything with a lower tier radio with little effort and for much less money. I still suspect y-harnesses or even a matchbox or two with a 6102 are cheaper than buying a Futaba 9 or a JR 9303.
Just my opinion. I think that folks could could have a lot more fun in this hobby if they spent less $$$ on radios and more $$$ on the planes themselves...