Sounds like I took a different route to learning how to fly than most. I started with a Sig Riser glider which I eventually added a .049 engine. After many, many hand tosses I learned how to keep it from stalling. I got only 3-4 flights with the engine before I got dumb and crashed it. Funny how it does not fly well with a dead transmitter battery. The glider was easy to control and slow to respond. It even took a fair amount of abuse.

After the Riser I moved onto a Slow Stick. Many broken propellers later I feel proficient with it and am now moving onto an E-starter.

I found the Riser to be a good trainer for a self taught flyer. It was a little more money and a lot more work but I found it rewarding.