RE: Lanier Ripper, didn't like the first day of spring.
I just had a chance to read through this thread. The beginning post about lack of power may have a simple reason. The prop may have been on backwards. I know it sounds silly but I've seen it done several times and the pilot couldn't figure out why his engine was screaming but the plane wasn't going anywhere.
The Ripper, as Kirk said, may not be the absolute hottest plane out there right now, that's ok because its available, can be built without any special tools, is reasonably priced, well engineered and performs well.