Personaly (And you asked OPINIONS so noone blast me) I like the profiles better for 3D in the smaller planes (.40 sized and below). They seem to fly more like the big birds and are easier to learn with. I've watched many more guys accomplish full bore 3D with profiles than with the UCD .46 or other small fatty birds, and they really helped me achieve my goals. The KE is way better than any full figured plane I've flown, that's for sure.

On the other hand, if you're not interested in 3D, the fatties are better for more of a pattern type acrobatics, sport flying, or speed.

But that's all IMHO, and I'm quite sure others will disagree.