For my first 10 years in the hobby, I would generally keep some kind of trainer-like plane in the fleet. Actually, now I have an Ercoupe and a T28, both fly much like a trainer.
When an experienced pilot goes back to a trainer, it is amazing just what they are capable of doing, especially spot landings and slow flight. We all like playing with the performance envelope of an airplane. The low end of the envelope is just as much fun as anything else. And, they make great float planes.