I love a cereberal discussion. Most information aimed at newbee's is to educate them and make them think, detailed engineering discussions are over kill. I'm an expert by no means and my posting intent is to help.

To respond, yes perfect geometry you can get linear response. However a quick look at most model helicopters should tell you that perfect control geometry is rare. Most are a comprimise of some sort between form and function, manufacturing process and asthetics therefore you rarely get that perfect linear set up and you stand to introduce expotential and differential throw. Will any of this affect the average model helicopter or flyer? Probably not.

As far as "coming up against" I don't consider this pugilistic at all, I'm always up for learning something and you clearly have a back ground in the field.

Cheers mate!
Andy