RE: Battery longevity
I agree with Chad.
Although in my case, my packs sit for, well, they actually for the most part, (and I hate to admit this) only get flight time at contests. I haven't had much time to practice. Although I do have 18 flights on my new plane within the last month.
I would say the people with the most electric flights would include Chad, Adam, Tom, his dad Al, and Scott Covey. And as far as I would guess, all their packs are probably around 150 mark except Tom's. His are probably over 200. Maybe he'll chime in.
I think it's realistic to say that they have become comparable in flight costs. Not buying them the first time though. But once you have, say, three sets, then you set up a second plane, it's actually cheaper than to set up a glow plane. Well, it is with my setup.
Good luck with your decision, you'll be happy if you make the move.
Chris