affas,
This is an excellent aircraft for an experienced pilot, but I wouldn't recommend it for an intermediate pilot. This is a very good flying aircraft, but it is not, repeat not, a model for a low time pilot.

The violent tipstalls occur if the plane gets to slow, which is caused by the fairly high wing loading. If it can be built very light, which is not easy, but it seems can be done, by some, therefore keeping the wing loading down, would tame it a little.

I would recommend some real time on one or two good warbirds first, as this plane requires good warbird skills. There are many good, readily available kits out there to learn/practice on. Especially the Top Flight .60 size series, which can be built a little heavy and fly well, while teaching you to be on your toes. A good T-6 Texan would also be a good first warbird.

The reason I suggest starting with something else, is the fact the Top Flight Staggerwing is no longer available, nor or replacement parts. And when things go wrong with this plane in the air, it's sudden and usually fatal.