I find this very true for me also. If I maiden someones newest sport plane, I'm asling myself, can it fly straight, hold knife edge, do a decent 4 point etc etc. To date, almost always I am glad to get the plane down.

The only exception was my 37% Aeroworks Extra because, and only because, I set it up just like my pattern planes. This was commented on by those who flew it. Yeah, I could 3D it if I wanted, but also had just enough throw to do an IMAC sequence very well. I believe this is missed by most and the art of setting up the plane to fly the sequence is secondary to doing the hot stuff. With our radios, you should be able to do both, but believe most don't.

I had a 30% extra ARF that just didn't measure up to the high standards already achieved and I only kept is a very short while before selling. Guess that makes it hard to come up with "fun" planes that still fly "well" by pattern standards.

ed