I also have the HRIII and love the plane. I say go for it. A very well mannered and well built plane. If you have the money or the patience get a fourstroke for it. I run a Saito FA82 and with a Higley prop nut/washer and a 14x6 Master Airscrew it balances perfectly, no weight added? The extra power must also help with the wind problem as mine fly's fine at 15 to 25 mph gusts? The landing gear will not take much abuse, but the plane is not hard to land you just have to be commited to putting it down.

MinnFlyer: You do not NEED a computer radio to operate the elevator servos, A servo reversing y-cable does the job?