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Bob,
I agree with your points in that one specific trait does not make a great plane. I guess my point is that a GL seems to be a great soaring plane - if built and trimmed properly. My complaint, if any, is that it is not as rugged as my flying style would require. I've chased geese off of golf courses with a power-pod, flown in winds I had no business being outside in, and will try to slope anything - once! I have had my share of cartwheels and tanle-ups flying around bushes on sand spits and thats why i liked the GL - it is easy to repair. However, it is best for true soaring and perhaps a 2x4 ( or x6 ) is a better all round craft for a daily driver.
Not having flown either size HOB, I've only got the math and first person accounts of it's characteristics to gauge it's performance.
Like I said before, the only true answer is ONE OF EACH!
Al