RE: deja vu
The Homelite 30 is a good engine and has more power potential that the Ryobi 31cc engine, especially when modified. It is a bit lighter as well when fully trimmed. However, the neat thing about the Ryobi is as you mentioned; it is narrow and can fit in slim cowled airplanes without the muffler and carb sticking out the sides.
You liked the last one with the classic Ryobi, I would say go with one again. If you are looking for more power, there are some mods that can be done to the Ryobi to raise the power within reason. You just want to be sure to prop the Ryobi to turn no more than 7500 in a full throttle static runup.
AV8TOR