Regarding engines, guess I was thinking one of the newer generation beam mount 20's to keep the weight to a minimum, power to weight maximum? DLE, or name your poison. I have a DLE in a profile, love it, but have room in the stable for another. Think I'm going to try the RCGF 20 beam mount to see what they're about on whatever I go with. I'm comfortable providing/prefer doing my own service work, so as long as parts are available, I'm good to go.

What about prop clearance? Flying off grass, is there room for a 17" prop or would I be forced to go 3 blade?

Regarding metal gear servos and HD linkages, I'd recommend them highly on something like this. I used both on the profile (67" Fusion) and I've seen this plane's tail surfaces fluttering in the sunlight, yet it continues on with no apparent damage! Gotta love something that handles that!