If you tone the rates down on 3D aircraft they are twice the airplane that the 4 star is. You can come in to land at a walking pace. There is nothing wrong with someone wanting a 3D airplane as their 2nd airplane. I promise you if you keep the rates minimal it is twice as stable as a four star. That way you can turn the rates up as you progress. The only down side is that these aircraft wont stand up to the abuse that a four star will. This comes from experience as I have flown every size four star with different motor combinations as well as a large majority of the 3D aircraft.