ZepPilot,
I agree, I think I've improved a lot, but I'm not stupid. In trying to be brief with my original question, I might have been too obtuse. My goal (it will hopefully become a plan) is to minimize the amount of stuff I buy that becomes obsolete as my skills increase.
For example, I want to steer clear of RTF trainers because I don't want to spend the money on a 4-channel radio. As for airframes, I am definitely going to get a trainer, preferably one that is aerobatic (little or removable dihedral), but definitely a trainer.
Other items on my wishlist are an FMA receiver (5 or 8 channel) with the co-pilot (a 5th proportional channel allows the co-pilot gain to be adjusted in flight).
My euphemism for this project of mine is an al-a-carte trainer.
I start flying at my prospective club in April, they have a flightinstruction night on Thursdays. After I've been flying a little, I will definitely know more about myself (as a pilot) and what I want.