Hi Mike!
Seems most are in favor of the 4* as a second. I have a bias for shoulder wing pattern trainers like the ugly stick or midwest aerosport. Or even a hots.
Not sure about their status in ARF but I'm sure there are satisfactory equivilents out there. Why ARF anyway? You dont like building? Dont have time??
Reason I ask is that I find the cookie-cutter ARF selection booring and substandard. They use a lot of 'lite ply' and slab wood that adds weight and takes away from flying characteristics. Dont get me wrong, if thats what your up against it better than not'in!