RE: sub-2 meter RES electric ARFs?
We have people flying and thermaling the Easy Star, the Ascent and the Electra at our sailplane club. They seem to do well with them. They are certainly not contest ships, in the sense of the 3M moldies, but that is not their intention.
If you are looking for entry level e-gliders, these can safely go on the list. The only one that is not a traditional glider is the Easy Star. This one appeals to the parkflyer guys who want to dabble in gliders, or gliders guys who want a "toss in the car" small e-glider.