Definatly a good idea to use the 46.
I have never run into a "40 sized" plane that didn't fly better with a bit more power. take offs are better, the needle is more forgiving... I have a couple perfectly good .40's sitting on the shelf that probably will never see air time again simply because the 46's and 50's are far more fun to fly.

Sticks make great second planes, or depending on your style, maybe a faster smoother plane like the Aresti or a wild fun flyer like the Sig Something Extra would definatly be a good choice. once you have a few flights on the easysport it is just a tiny step up to just about any plane.