well I hope you do learn but to give you a confidence boost, The Freedom Flyer was the first plane I was able to fly and land numerous times. I had four other planes before I bought it , Now Im flying my Aspire 2meter sailplane without giving it a second thought . you are right, the FF is much better with the esc and right stick set up , I converted mine a week after I got it . Sadly to say my receiver crapped out and I lost it in the woods some where , it has been to cold and I have been to busy to look for it , and to top that off, Chris from littleracers.com wont give me a good deal on a ARF FF . So dont get to discouraged so soon , Oh did I mention Im self taught ! , This was by choice , I never like things to be to easy in life, the challenge of learning how to fly was very rewarding. Ill help you as much as I can but if I were you I would not buy a slow stick or fix the AC . get a glider or a plane that catches thermals , and its much to early for you to try ailerons , in my oppinion. I just bought a kyosho Stratus 1600 ARF. I got it today in the mail, I should have it together before sunday , if the weather is calm Ill fly it and let you know how it goes. Good luck and practice hard.