Sure they're easier, but when you got 5K in a plane it no longer is a plane that you can just go out and bang around for fun - maybe turfing it a few times. You're in a whole new serious ball game. That is why the advice already given in this thread is excellent: which is that the smaller Foamy's, Low cost SPA3D / Pizza Boxes and .40 size Profiles are the best 3D trainers because you can bring them in low and try new maneuvers without great fear of lost investment. I have a 27% MW Extra 300S. It's a little heavy for good 3D, but a very nice plane in general. It almost never goes to the field. The other stuff I fly the crud out of and have a blast doing it. I never go to the field without something coroplast. Sure it is not as pretty as a 40%er, but I'm flying whole flights inches off the ground with no fear.

Jeff