I learned on a PT 40 with an OS 40 FP, and even that had plenty of power. Sure it had a long take off roll, and you HAD to dive to get enough airspeed to pull a loop, but it also taught me a LOT!
My second plane was a Super Sportster with a second OS 40 FP on it. It too flew very well. I've had a number of 40 size sport planes, many using those FP's, and some still in service that use 52 four strokes. I like the additional torque of the four strokes, but the planes certainly aren't over powered.
Today I also have a J3 Cub, 81 inch wing span, with a Magnum 52 four stroke. Trust me, it flys like a Cub.
So the art of flying on the wing isn't dead, just half asleep.
Dennis-