A Kaos is always a good step up from a stick and a great intro to pattern flying. Tower has a very nice ARF Kaos 40. For two steps up, look towards the Bluejay Dirty Birdy, if you're willing to build from a kit anyway. For updated instructions on the DB look here http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9520759/tm.htm. Beyond that, there are lots of old school pattern planes out there. But the Kaos and DB will be inexpensive, good fliers and little to moderate work.

Dave