Josh,
Age or the number of years someone has been flying doesn't have a lot to do with one's flying abilities from my experience. I know pilots with one year's experience that fly better than some with 20 or more years' experience. What you do when flying and practicing makes the difference along with what information is available.
I'm normally checking for these kind of questions as a moderator. Off for a few days for some tests. Hope the following helps:

Comparing the planes you are interested in would have a lot to do with what your goals are flying. If you are interested in 3D more than sequences (IMAC or Pattern) then the U-C-D would be a better choice. Instead of the giant size the 60 size UCD is about the size of the Showtime. The Giant UCD puts you into the 50cc range of models and I would recommend many other models over it. The Showtime is getting quite a bit of good press. Check out the Pattern forum for the Showtime thread for pattern by Don Szczur. It has some really good information. I fly with Don and he is a wealth of information, 2 time TOC competitor, national pattern champion in 2003. There is also a thread about the 27% H-9 Extra 260 in the IMAC forum. It would be a very similar plane to the showtime but in the 50 cc range. I have one with a BME-44cc and it has unlimited vertical. The new Evo-45 would be a good engine for it. Check out the IMAC and Pattern forums and you will be in a wealth of information.

First decide what size plane you want. Either a 1.00 to 1.25 glow size or a 50cc range gasoline plane. Next decide what your goals are. If it is more geared to 3D then go with the UCD and if more IMAC or Pattern go with the Showtime in the 1.00 to 1.25ci range. If you decide to go with the 50cc range then the H-9 Extra 260 is an excellent plane. In the 50cc range there is a flood of new planes and more will be available soon from almost all Mfg's. Great Planes has 4 or more (Yak, Ultimate, Extra +) with Lanier coming up with 4 or 5 more, OHP, Wild Hare, Aeroworks (includes Columbo Anderson), Aeroteck (new Yak looks really good) and many others are all offering planes in the 50 cc range. Let us know what your intentions are so we can give you a better answer.

EXCAP232