I think your first issue is to classify a "school of thought". I started off with a PT-40. Soloed after about 1.5 hours of stick time, and was flying my second plane (An UltraSport+) after about 5 hours of stick time. This all within the space of 4 months.

So, putting a time scope to things is an issue. 5 hours of stick time is actually quite a lot.

Anyways.... There is a lot of merit in the learn slowly and properly process. I feel that I progressed on to the UltraSport before I was ready. Sure, after my first hiccough, I could fly the plane, but am I really learning much other than collision avoidance?

I have progressed quite fast at RC Flying, and I have gone around a full circle...

I started with the trainer, and learned the minimum required not to crash (orientation, dexterity). I then started to throw the trainer around to get "thrills". I soloed at pretty much the same time. When I was comfortable on my own, I bought and built an UltraSport+. Lots of fun. Lots of thrills. Can do sooo much more. BUT, I can only do sloppy loops, quick rolls, and inconsistent landings (I can do a bunch of other thingsm but not neatly). I have realised that the thrill of flying has taken me beyond what should be the beauty of flying, so I am heading back to more trainer time to master the finer aspects of flying.

So, as a beginner, you can fly thrillingly, or fly gracefully, and the direction you choose will dictate the progression of 1st, second, and so on planes.

gus