I fully agree. I thought the op pretty much got the answers he was looking for, and we were just conversing at this point about biplanes. I'm not trying to push the ultimates on anyone as a trainer. Because it certainly isn't one.
Agreed, we are now talking about biplanes only, I would never recommend something like an Ultimate to a beginner, with that said I think you are on track to some great flying lightweight airplanes.
Bob