I agree on the Telemaster and I only rank it no 2 due to its availability,complexity building if not an ARF,and a hardware package that is not up to the SIG product ,IMO.I learned way back when too,with a DeBolt Champ,(talk about dihedral!)and I remember all too well how easy my first aileron model was to fly after the Champ experience!
If I was running a flight school,Id use a fleet of boxy tail-draggers,with wingspans of 80" or more ,with small gassers for power,but this is not what the average beginner can build or afford,especially if he/she is not totally sure of their interest,time,and $ commitment to a great new hobby......