RE: Ideas for an intro pattern class
I think the last time a 'major' manufacturer got into the pattern arena it was a disaster. Goldberg released Dave Patrick's Finesse, and I think they sold a dozen or so before discontinuing it.
Extreme Flight is in with both feet with the Vanquish 2m at $649, and I seriously doubt you could build it any cheaper and keep it capable of the maneuvers and under the weight limit.