Reciever can be PPM(FM) or PCM. PCM modualtion must have a PCM receiver with a PPM/PCM selectable transmitter. Not that important to me but I know some who will only fly PCM. My expensive planes are PCM. Its less likely to be affected by interference..blah, blah

I know nothing about the CAF except what I looked after Flyboy pointed out my mistake. Tower list it as **PCM selectable, but does list it as an FM radio. I would look at Futaba for make sure.

I do not think you can beat the 7C for price and functions as mentioned ealier. 9C is a little higher with more funtions and memory.
The S series is new and even higher.
The friend I spoke of bought the 7CHP then bought another 7CHP when he ran out of memory for his RC's in the first. 25+ years he has been flying. He likes that 7C.
I had the T6XAS (PCM too) and the same happened. I liked it too, I was where you are when I bought it. I took the bigger step.

Radios have been like computers lately. Everybody is improving quickly. With the introdution of the 14ZAP I wonder whats next. JR will answer with something a step up from the 9303. Competition is a good thing.
The JR vs Futaba argument is as old as the hobby I think.