Update - re - this entire thread:

I think you all are very passionate about this hobby.  And probably a little nuts.  But I have been able to sift through all of your "stuff" and I think I can definitaly make an informed decision.  I haven't bought my radio yet, only because I haven't made it to the shop yet to hold each model in my hands as suggested to test for fit.

And for the record:  I am a Chevy man through and through, but I'm driving a Ford.  Sounds crazy you say - my first 3 trucks were chevy, but I fell in love with the new super duty and Chevy didn't have anything for it.  Even as I am driving my ford, I'm wishing I was in a Chevy only because I love the brand.  Brand loyalty goes a long way in any arena, but the Chevys at the time didn't have the right "fit" so I went with Ford.  I'm not a trader, just a savvy consumer.  So for all you die hard Futaba and Spektrum guys - don't be offended if you think you didn't make strong enough points and I go the other way.  You have prepaired me as well as you could for me to make a very informed decision.

that being said, someone mentioned that I should get as many channels as I can afford.  Money isn't the issue for me (I do well for myself, but that's not the point.)  Even though I could get 11 channels, I feel that I'm too new to be able to use all of the features, and I am afraid I might get lost in the technology, get overwhelmed trying to mix and worry about voltages and telemetry and whatever.  As I said before - I'm just trying to get it back on the ground in one piece.  For that reason alone I am going with 7 channels.

I think this thread has run it's course, and to all I want to thank you again.  And for the record - I hope that I never become as opinionated and one sided as some of the folks here.  But if I do, I know I will be in good company.

Cheers.