Here is a picture of my Christen Eagle. Dont knock the funny living conditions; I was a single NCO (Sergeant) so I lived in the barracks.

I think I am leaning more toward the GB ARF. Yeah I have built some kits and in the end its cheaper to do the ARF! However with a 42% or some larger planes its nice to get everything exactly how you want it.

Did you guys see this engine:
http://www.bmeengine.com/html/point90.htm

Its supposed to have 20% more power than a regular .90, run 30 mins on a 10oz tank, and weigh just 26oz! Ill wait to see some flying tests on it. I have done the small gas thing with limited success.

I fly the JR 9303 synth, but I like these Futaba servos: S3102 micro mg. More reliable then the HITEC 225 series. I have had the digital and regular 225's and burned out a lot. I fly a lot of hard 3D though

I think that the GB Ultimate equipped with those and some fast digitals on the rudder and throttle would be a winner. FWIW I have two smaller DP ultimates and was able to do the same as the 29% Ultimate does in terms of 3D. Of course smaller planes are always just twitchy.