ORIGINAL: britbrat
A very good intermediate step is to hop-up your trainer with a powerfull engine and some simple aerodynamic mods -- like a tail-dragger & no-dihedral wing set-up. That can be a lot of fun to do and to fly, while still developing your skills & letting you gain perspective.
Try sealing the gaps on all of your control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, and rudder). You would be suprised how much of a difference this will make in a trainer. It will seem like a completely different plane, with loads of new capabilities!!
Ken