Futaba 9c
Well.... I am not going to answer all your questions as many are in depth replys but I will say that I LOVE my Futaba 9CAP and I don't think theres a better radio around unless you got an additional $500-600 for the 10 or 9Z
1) You can delete functions or mixes, but I just rather leave them be... I don't even need 1/2 the stuff on here yet!
2) I am not a heli guy but, my friend has the 9CAP and flies helicopters, he just took the gimbal out and it works great
3) You can assign ANY function to ANY switch. The switches are labeled A-G (or some letter hehehe). You program the mix or function then at the bottom it has switch: A-G... just pick one that you feel comfortable and click
4) I dont know the legalities of this so I wont put any input here
5) I have not heard of this.... My 9CAP is less then 6 months old and my friends is roughly 1-2 years now... no notible difference in the software of looks