If you want the 118'' wingspan of the BOT and the light wingloading of the BOT and the ability to penetrate some wind at a light wingloading like the BOT then ... better build a BOT and get it out of your system !! I am working on a hand cut somewhat modified BOT right now. I hoped I would have lost interest in the design but then I see another picture of it on the internet and I get hooked again. The 'Big Bird' design also has 'the look'.
A sailplane I liked very much was the Prophet 941. It launched well off a heavy duty highstart, thermals very well, looks good, builds well and is rather easy to build, has D-tube wing construction and penetrates a mild breeze that is typical in northern Ohio. You would have to find a set of plans as they are no longer in production. But I really liked that design. The 2 meter Prophet version plans are available from MAN. I have not built one of the 2 meter versions but it would be a good step up from the Gentle lady. It has a good reputation. The link is:
http://www.rcstore.com/rs/general/li...t=20&catego=PL
The Prophet 941 looks the same but is larger (100'' wingspan) and had the 'Eppler 193 Modified' airfoil. There might be similar planes currently made now. The Marauder I think was similar and uses the 'Eppler 195 Modified' airfoil and is 115'' wingspan.
Whatever you choose make sure it is something you 'really want' because it will keep you inspired to finish it and you will enjoy the building process. It is good you are willing to start building your next sailplane while you enjoy your present sailplane.
It does make a big difference when you change to a sailplane that can perform well in local wind conditions. The first time I flew a Sagitta 900 and flew it UPWIND I knew it was a turning point in sailplanes choices for me.
By the way, the Gentle Lady really can shine in the right conditions. You can learn a lot about the subtle control and proper tuning of sailplanes from the Gentle lady. I found it somewhat delicate compared to some of the other designs, but if tuned properly it is also capable of great performance and can strike fear in the hearts of competitors if the conditions are right! It is funny to hear the competition say 'Oh no! He brought his Gentle Lady. We're all in trouble now.'