The info is out there. You just have to look for it. It's definitely tougher with electrics because there are so many different variables, and so many good solutions to each problem.

I myself just got an Eflite Ultimate last Friday. The instructions outline what should be a good power setup for it. IIRC, an Eflite Park 370 motor in the stock gearbox with the stock prop on a 3S LiPoly. You've got the Park 370, right?

That LiPoly pack was just fine. Your friend unknowingly ABUSED it. That's why it puffed up. He was drawing more Amps than the pack was designed to take. Don't hesitate in getting another pack, just be more careful next time, and ASK here first. Better yet, get yourself an Astro Whattmeter or similar tool so you can test a setup before you go flying. A few seconds of overload won't hurt a battery.