not new or fancy idea but I think a great next step would be your Sig 1/4 Cubs, Space Walker 1/4 or 1/3 or possible Morrisey Bravo. These are stick type built great flyers but everything is laid out and comes with hardware etc. Some parts even require to be cut out from printed sheets. Or for old school, any old Nosen 1/4 scale kits. Large lumberyard box, no real hardware except gear, definite stick construction that makes a large great flyer. ACE made a great 1/4 scale clipped wing Taylorcraft that can be still had out on open market.

Then as mentioned, plans and scratch building with possible kit cutter involved. I have done it all. Love to build as well. A plan/scratch build can become over whelming as mentioned, there will be some hiccups along the way to work through. The old complete stick kits have already figured out the hiccups.

my two bits