Originally, you were choosing between a Toni, Rare Bare and a Shoestring. You chose that fat blimpy stupid looking GB which looks and flies lke a Blowfish. So getting back to the original 3, your decision can now only be better. The Shoestring is a very good plane. I would recommend it to anybody. making added strength modifications is a good thing to do on any ARF.

I don't feel the gear is weak since I now how to land but if you come in hot and drop it down like a brick, you will bust up any gear on any plane.

As far as cutting the cowl, you must cut out a nice looking hole underneath or the engine is going to overheat, so you may as well throe a Satio 100 in it