Funny, I was out flying all morning and never saw a 4*, guess the herd was in the corral today. I did see a few YAK 54s and Extra 300s but maybe those are a better breed? Several sticks but maybe they just found a hole in the fence??
I use the 4*60 to teach basic building to students wanting to learn the art of slathering glue. I find them just about the perfect second plane but there are others that fly just as well. Super Sportster is another one I have used to teach building. A bit better for stunt training.
I'm not an ARF person so I could care less if a plane is in ARF form or not.
If an ARF is needed for a second plane then there are a ton of good ones. How about a Pulse 60 from Horizon?? It's covered different and is really pretty but look at it a bit closer and what do you notice?? The Space Walker is in ARF form and as easy to fly as the 4*
People mention the 4* so much because it's a nice build and the plane is great in the air. It's so good it's one you will see mentioned for decades to come.