It really doesn't matter what program you use, the flight charecteristics are always going to be determined by the "feeling" in the designers head. As for assembly ease I completely agree the more able and user friendly your program is, the better off you are. As for your 4 seat homebuilt project I think youd be surprised what can be done on paint as far as the drawing is concerned
ORIGINAL: 3D Joy
If you do not have the same "feeling" as Chip Hyde, you should then consider using some good 3D programs out there. I am familiar with Solid Edge and can say it is capable sofware. We use it for drawing a 4 seater homebuilt plane. Every part is made with rivet holes already pre-punched and everything lines-up really good.
We sure would not have been able to draw this plane on paint...
See it on
www.dreamaircraft.com