Personally... to meet the requirements you stated (slope and thermal and aerotow... and a scale model) I'd look for something closer to this:
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?pro...fcb6d23975fb91
Generally at the 2 meter size, a scale sailplane is best used on the slope. With the KA-6 being a scale model of a sailplane designed in the 1950's, the wing area is sufficient and the airfoil creates enough lift for this model to be a decent thermal sailplane.The two meter size is perfect for just about any slope or field and is easy to breakdown for transport.
It also is under your original quoted price. (assuming you did not mean including the radio system...)
It would work for all the areas you wanted... but obvously would not be looking to win any endurance contests at thermaling. (nor any aerobatics contests... nor... well... any contest.)