onlyb, I would not consider asking for help as swallowing your pride, it seems like the smart thing to do.
You said you liked building, so I am going to toss this out as a possible alternative to the 4 Star, how about an Astro Hog ?
It is a very cool looking airplane (I think it has a lot more character than the 4 Star), it flies great, it does not self correct (it goes where you point it), it is capable of most aerobatics, and I know for a fact that the OS 70 will be a great engine for it. You will be able to pull through big loops, you will not be able to fly straight up.
If you decide to go this route I would recommend moving the landing gear to the fuselage just like the 4 Star setup or to really beef up the ribs in the wing where the landing gear block is installed.