rob,
Reprimanding him isn't going to stop next weeks newbie from asking the same question.
I agree completely. However, he may do a search when he has another question and save the time spent waiting for someone helpful (like yourself) to reply.
Just because a couple guys create websites dedicated to a particular brand doesn't make it "the best choice." It means that it's what they like. Just so happens that it's also what you like (I'm guessing here). If I go out tomorrow and create calibertechnique.com, that won't instantly make it equal to the Raptor. And just because that website doesn't exist (yet), that doesn't automatically make the Raptor better than the Caliber. By the way, [link=http://www.raptortechnique.com]RaptorTechnique.com[/link] is an excellent resource for information regarding RC helicopters ... and not just Raptors.
Anyway Todd, welcome to the world of RC helicopters! It's an exciting diversion from fixed wings that I think you'll enjoy. As you may have gathered, just like every other endeavor, you will find that people you talk to have their own opinions as to what is the "right way" to do one thing or another. What you have to do is talk to as many people as you can, read as much as you can, take in all of the information, weed out the BS and decide what is right for you.
Again, good luck,
Keith