RE: Suggestions for first build
I haven't built a Rapture, but I HAVE built MANY other GP models, and I have also built a 4*. I'd be willing to bet that the Rapture would be as easy or easier to build than the 4*.
The Rapture was designed by GP as a direct competitor to the 4*. It would only make sense to make it an easy build (IE, no LE sheeting, no cap strips etc)