Mike is gonna complain no matter what....

it's just his nature. LOL
The Taylorcraft is one fine looking airplane but with the way Mike likes to fly are you sure this is a good plane for him? I've heard the Taylor can do some mean things with enough engine so who knows... why not, you got my vote.
Moki 1.8 or 2.1? I think a gasser would take all the fun out of it because it's a pretty light airplane. The guy I got mine from had a Webra 1.2 on it and I think it needs more than that for some real fun.