Originally posted by MikeL
Unless you're willing to spend a bit more, I wouldn't get a basic 6-channel. Usually by the time you want the extra channels you want the computer functions, too. People often mention using the extra channels for things like flaps and bomb drops, but those aren't all that common. For sport models flaps are more novelty than useful, and bomb drops can be connected to the rudder channel without too much effort.
I was thinking 6 channel because one day, I hope to make a CL-415 Canadair Waterbomber. Would like to have a fully working replica including water drops. Would be kinda fun to engineer and build, that's for sure. I don't plan on doing any aerobatics.