The PT-40 is a terrific trainer.

Definitely less dihedral.

I never minded rubber bands, except for the looks, and I have seen them save a few wngs during "cartwheeled" landings. Advantages of bolt ons? The only advantage is more secure mounting, but that only matters if you don't use enough rubber bands. I'd suggest at least 10 to 12, and cross the last 2 to 4.

You seem as though you have some natural ability (or some experience you haven't shared), so I'd say start off with the plane as a tail dragger. Trike gear is so much easier that IF you ever get one, it'll be simple to go from taildragger to trike.

Welcome to RCU, and have fun!
Dennis-