I like the 4 star if you are just wanting a light flying sport plane. Its really easy to fly and if you build it light its a very forgiving airplane. Im not much into the "old standards" and could suggest some trendier planes that would probably be a little more aerobatic and still have the gentle qualities of the planes you have expressed interest in. But if you want a rock solid, proven good flyer you cannot go wrong with a 4 star.