There is no question in my mind, and I think most folks would agree; the switch is the weak link in the " battery-switch-receiver" link. There are many solutions, but for pattern where weight is very important, the best solution is battery-solid state switch/regulator-receiver. Take a look at the Jaccio Perfect Switch Harness at Central Hobbies. The solid state switch/regulator is orders of magnitude more reliable than a mechanical switch and the regulator function provides the consistency in servo speed and torque that pattern pilots want. And if it hasn't been established here, the two cell Lithium battery packs are an improvement over NiCds and NiMHs in just about every way I can think of unless you believe adding a regulator is bad. Personally, I used a regulator before I used Lithiums because they improve system performance. As far as reliability, Lithiums seem to have a gradual death that makes it easy to know when to replace them before they will fail in a manner to crash an airplane. My vote; lithium battery-perfect switch harness-receiver.

Jim O