RE: Mode 1 or Mode 2
Almost everyone I meet flies Mode 1.
All sets officially imported into Australia are set up for Mode 1.
I flew in the UK, most of the fliers there that I saw flew Mode 1.
I'd say at least 90 % of "plank' fliers in Australia fly Mode 1.
Mode 2 seems to be a Nth American thing?
I am happy to be contradicted - these are just my observations.