The extra channel for two elevators is not necessary. That leaves 6 channels. Smoke doesn't even need to be mentioned in a beginners forum. It sounds like you just sorta stuck #7 in there but anyway it's not needed.
ORIGINAL: BigNed
OK Smartguy.
1 aileron
2 elevator servo
3 throttle
4 rudder
5- ( I use it for retracts on my pattern plane so I need 5 for some planes)
6- 2aileron 2 (allows spoileron and flaperon mix.) cant do it with a y harness.
7- free but if you use the other aileron option its there.
8- elevator servo (twin servos) granted you can do this with a y harness, but it gives you seperate subtrims and the option to use ailvators if you choose to use them.
9- smokepump
Maybe could get away with an 8 channel but if you are only paying 20-50 bucks more why not buy the 9C to get the campac with all the model storage and p mixes. PLUS PCM/PPM selectivity, plus 3 onboard timers.
I shouldnt have said you need all 9 channels at least not at 1 time on 1 plane, but if you fly more than 1 plane you will use all 9.
For the money there just isnt anything that compares.