Dana, this is a good thread. I moved from D1 last year, great group of guys. With respect to your question about coaching a new pilot, people have been very interested and generous and willing to help me, and I would give a new pilot all the time he needed. There is enough down time at a contest, just don't expect much time from those running the show (CD).

I flew a Phoenix dolphin at my first event. It handled sportsman just fine. I changed props half way through the second day, people thought I was nuts but the larger diameter prop was noticeably better to me and those watching.

I don't get why people think the end moves are so bad. They are a challenge, but that's the.point. sportsman should try to put the roll in the middle of the line. That's 90% of the Rev Cuban. The angle of the line is subjective anyway. And most judges wont blast you for being out of the box, maybe just make a suggestion when its over.
I don't like 'soft judging' now that I'm in intermediate, but it was nice when I was starting out in sportsman.
Hey Dana, take a look at the intermediate schedule. I find the top hat and humpty bump to be easier than a half reverse Cuban 8 for turn arounds. Verticals are easier to see that 45s, and these are turns that let you Shuster your line in or out. Of course only if you think you're up for it, but I really had fun with them when I learned about them.