MinnFlyer,
I don't think it takes most people all of their concentration for the first few years just to keep the plane in the air. I don't think many would stay in the hobby if it was that much trouble.
If you want to do laps and simple aerobatics, a cheap 4 channel radio will do just fine. And, I think you are absolutely correct --- mixing, exponential and digital trims and throws are not mandatory for any plane to fly. To do any advanced aerobatics and 3d stuff later on, it is. In a couple of months(I don't think it's that steep of a learning curve), when you graduate from your trainer and want to get something capable of lots more, the functions will be there. And even on the trainer, using expo to soften the controls is nice. Of course MinnFlyer will probably tell you that a cub is capable of all the aerobatics you will ever need for the next 5 years.
I've got it: If you think it'll take 2 years of ALL your concentrating to keep the plane in the air -- get an inexpensive analog Tx.

If not, get something a little more sophisticated, and know where the switches are before you use them.

P.S. I too think a switch for snaps is stupid. And, yes I have an old analog 4 channel futaba sitting on the shelf, a Futaba 8UAPS 8 Channel PCM, and Hitec Flash 5x...both if which get regular use.

Ask around, the older crowd tends to lean in the direction of how it was. And the younger fliers, look at technology as an advantage.
Just my 1/2 a cent. Just offering advice that GEORGE1021 asked for.