The Raptor 50 is a great machine to learn on and you have several fuse choices from FunKey. Scale birds are heavier and thus 'sluggish' compared to 3D machines, kind of like a sports car to a luxury sedan.

Yes, the larger the heli, the more stable. Also the larger the heli, the larger the price tag for ALL parts. Also consider that you will crash in the beginning much more often than later, you don't want a scale ship in the beginning, learn on something like a Raptor where replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to get.

"Are scale helis worth it?" In my book I would rather fly a scale than a pod and boom, same goes for airplanes. I get great joy in making a model look like a minature real thing.

You might also want to check out scalerchelis.com, it is a scale helicopter devoted site. Lots of great people, pictures, and information, several come over here also.