While the Escapade is not perfect it is an absolute blast to fly and it is easy to overlook some of the flaws in the plane especially since they are all easy fixes. I bought mine a little 8 months ago and have flown it well over 10o times if not more. I use a OS 55AX in mine and do not think it is too overpowered. It is an absolute rocket in straight and level flight and will go vertical forever. I have never pushed in the dive cause that is asking for trouble with any plane not just the Escapade. i think it is the perfect second plane and can be flow in many different configurations. The high landing speed is easy to fix by moving the CG to the back of the range suggested by GP. I have had mine even farther back (80mm) than reccomended just to try it out with no ill effect (not reccomended for a beginner). In fact it crept in a trainer speeds with the CG like that, but it was a little pitch sensitive. best of luck to the original poster I think you will be very happy with the Escapade!