I started in Pattern, but have long been attracted to IMAC, and this past season did both. There's pretty much no difference in the maneuvers, and in the entry classes you can use a pattern or IMAC model both ways and come out OK. Once you move up beyond Pattern Sportsman and IMAC Basic you have to abide by the rules concerning size and scale, but even so some designs can be competitive both ways; Yaks, Giles, etc. can meet the size constraints of Pattern and the scale constraints of IMAC.

I have not tried anything beyond 1/4 scale glow in IMAC, but will build a couple 78-80" gassers in the 50 cc class in the next year or two. My main problem with 1/3 scale is the inconvenience of storing and transporting the model--plus the expense of bigger engine, bigger servos, etc. I'm serious about my flying, but not fixated on winning or even finishing in the money, so that helps me resist the temptation to always be moving up to a bigger plane. Plus I prefer to build rather than ARF, and building 1/3 scale presents challenges to my building space.

I will say that there are many smaller (.60 size) pattern models that fly beautifully--make me look better than I am--than is the case with smaller IMAC models. A 72" ws IMAC plane I find takes a lot more concentration to fly as well as a smaller pattern model...at least in my experience. I'd love to find a smaller (not so expensive) CAP or Extra that flies as well as a Venus or Javelin.