I've had the 7C since it came out, it is a great radio. But for a beginner, just get a basic radio for now, and wait until your ability/needs warrant a better radio. At that point, you'll likely find it is worth jumping up all the way to a 9C.
My 7C does all that I need it too, even for my two helis.
For now, just get a regular 4 channel set ($130), and in the future, you can still use all the gear with a better radio, and the transmitter can be used for training others! Getting a Futaba 4 channel radio set is only $10 more than getting a flight pack, so the 4 channel transmitter is cheap and smart way to go.