Like others here have said, it is probably best to fly the most common mode in your area. I am always the odd man out since I fly mode 1. I learned to fly from my Father. He started out and flew for many years on mode 2, but was convinced by a group of mode 1 guys that their way was better. They were right of course

Among the guys I fly with, I am the only one that doesn't get to share his plane. I have flown most of my buddies planes, but they get the look of dread if I offer up my plane to them.

I prefer the split function of roll and pitch. I think it leads to less unintentional mixing of the two, but that is only really a problem with less experienced pilots. I know plenty of mode 2 guys that can thread a needle with mode 2. I can just thread it twice as easy as they can

One more plug for mode 1 is the fact that you are always using both sticks, so you don't get stuck in that "set the throttle, and then only fly with one stick". Sure made learning how to incorporate rudder into various maneuvers easier since I was already used to using both sticks all the time.

Lastly ....... Mode 1 RULES!!!! [8D]