My Instructor hates the plane.....says everyone he has trained on has had problems like this.......
Most pilots who fly the Nextstar don't like it. It does have problems, including the LG and that stupid autopilot. Even with the autopilot turned off (which I heartily recommend) it flies like crap. There are trainers out there that are a LOT better.

Almost ready to scrap it and go to something else.
I'd agree with that. Get yourself a Tower Hobbies trainer, or the Hobbico Airvista or Avistar. Frustration is NOT what you need while learning.

Dr.1