Removing the lower wings definitely makes it faster and more able to handle a little wind once you correct the CG. It's a real nice flyer that way. However, I find I can fly a stock biplane version in smaller spaces more easily, like in my back yard. That's a very nice capability to have.

I can't decide which I like better. It varies with the flying conditions. I kind of wish the lower wings snapped in and out more easily so I could change the plane for every flight.