"The more money you save, the more work you tend to create." - I tend to agree with that.

There is no doubt that the 9C will allow you more flexibility with future planes compared to lesser radios. Not so much the 9 channels, but the programming and model memory are a plus. It's not so much that a lesser radio wouldn't work, but that it is easier to setup and store some configurations on a more advanced radio. Typically, there is always a work around, such as Y-cables, reversers, programmable servos, matchboxes, etc. It is just cleaner, simpler and more reliable IMO to avoid the extra fiddly bits inside a plane.

I take the same tact with radios as I do engines. They are items you keep a long time and can/will be used across many models. They are also items that if they misbehave, or don't or can’t do what you want, they can really cause a lot of frustration in what should be your fun time. My opinion is to get the best you can afford that meets your needs over the next 5 or so years.

This is where the problem exist with a new pilot. Who knows what you will be doing in 5 years. Will you stick with 4ch sport planes, move to giants or jets than require 10 channels, go into pylon racing, combat, scale, pattern, etc? Or possibly drop out of the hobby? If you are serious and the type that sticks with something, I'd say the 9C is a great radio for you. If you are unsure about the hobby, get the RTF, then sell it later and get the 9C then.

I started with a Futaba 6AX. At the time it was a nice 6ch computer radio. It was overkill my first season. Once I had a plane setup, I rarely messed with the settings. On a couple of occasions I played with flaperon, airbrake, etc. just to see how they affected the plane, but in general the extra programming did not detract from my learning how to fly. I used it for 1-1/2 years, at which point it couldn't handle all the mixes I was using. At 1-1/2 years, I was flying advanced aerobatic planes and trimming them for aerobatic flight. I actually ran out of mixes on the 6AX. For me, I quickly went from overkill to not enough on the 6AX in less than 2 years. So I sold the 6AX and got a 9ZAP, top of the line in the day and still a killer radio. Been using it for 6 years now. Love it so much I could never go back to a lesser radio. However, others I know have been flying for decades and still use their original 4ch or 6ch radios without a problem. There is no right or wrong here. It really depends on the person, they type of flying they do, etc.

My final word... it's your money, get what you want.