That is really good. I've been flying airplanes for way over 20 years but man, do these collective pitch helis throw up a challenge [X(]
I'd call E-Flite. They know those motors are a problem and I wouldnt be surprised if they didn't take care of you,seriously, especially with the ESC being eaten.
Here's the whackiest part of the whole helicopter experience :
So you were keeping an erratic SR with a goin' south tail rotor motor in a 4 ft square ? Then I could give you the controls to my nitro Raptor 30 V2 or my JR Vibe 500 and you'd keep either in a 3 foot square until they ran out of fuel/battery.
It's a shame the expense is what it is because the 'bigger is better" applies in helis and in spades.
For a guy with lots of airplane and nitro motor experience like you have to me the heli to own above all others and not being particularly close is the Raptor 30 V2 ARF. It is perfectly trimmed, with begineer settings its amazingly gentle and predictable,and you get 15 minute flights to learn on...not 5 minutes then land for batteries.
It can be had for just over 300 bucks with motor and pipe and blades,and to me it's a flat classic heli that can take you from brand new to just about whatever you want,and it's amazingly rugged.
Unlike a lot of guys nowadays the nitro motor couldn't be less of a 'hassle' to you, and those 15 minute flights are invaluable for learning. Doug