Go with Rcpilet. I think most of us that have been doing the gas thing for awhile are in agreement with about 95% of what he's told you. The 5% balance is only a matter of style.

The reason your friend lost his plane was more likely due to pilot error with his flying skills, or a poorly set up radio/ignition/engine/fasteners installation. Next time you see him, casually ask how much money he saved in the build by using old and discounted components. I'll wager he has a rough number to provide. All of the manufacturers make excellent receivers in either flavor, ppm or pcm. They only require that attention be paid to a few simple guidelines.

Pat