We only have one mode I pilot left at our field, but I've often wished I'd not taken the advice to do mode II. I got into RC in '74 when many pilots flew mode 1 and believe that they had better control because of avoidance of coupled control. When my friends had simple airplanes to fly, I'd fly their mode i and had little problems with them. Some of those mode 1 pilots could also fly mode II when helping others. None of those mode 1 fliers converted to mode II.

At any rate, welcome back to RC... Enjoy. I was out 17yrs and returned to great equipment and many old friendships and now am having great fun with a great retirement pastime.. Hope you do too.