I agree. However, in the process, students sometimes get themselves in situations where the instructor needs the power to get them out of trouble, particularly as they advance in their training, such as working on setting up for approaches, learning how to recover from a stall, or simply losing perspective on the plane. I don't think anyone said the electric was bad. I and others were simply pointing out some comparative advantages and disadvantages.

As for the top level aerobatic competitions, I'd be remiss if I recommended a beginner shell out the resources necessary to obtain that level of performance.

Again I agree. That's why I first teach students to fly the plane at half throttle or less. Enough air speed to keep the plane up without stalling, but slow enough that the plane doesn't behave badly when there's too much stick. At the same time, I keep the instructors box at about 3/4 throttle. When I have to take the plane back from the student for what ever reason, it immediately powers up. Once they've managed to learn to control the plane, then we work on throttle management.

I think the primary advantage of glow over electric for beginners is the size of the plane. A larger plane is easier to see, and in general they tend to react a little slower. Cost over the life of the planes is probably comparable when you factor in fuel costs vs batteries.

So its back to my initial recommendation. Visit a club. You'll learn more in a couple hours than you will trying to sort through the multiple, varied, and justified opinions found here.

Brad