Welcome back dogginfox!
If you're serious about a six channel radio, I'd suggest the Futaba 6 EXA. It's a decent computer radio at a very reasonable price. If you think you'll need the extra channels, then by all means go with one of the 9 channels available now. (Prices on all radios seem to be dropping pretty quickly lately.)

I'll give my vorte to the LT-40 as well. I've never met anyone who's been disappointed with it. Just put a 46 in it, or in any trainer. You can throttle back for now, but will appreciate the extra power for you next plane.

As has been said, almost any of the trainers out there today are decent.

Good luck and have fun!
Dennis-