RE: Looking for a good first sailplane
I would hook up with a group of local fliers. Thats sort of "the pipeline" if you will, for deals that you wont believe. I just sold a JR-8103 transmitter for $150, 10 memories, heli,sailplane, aircraft modes, can easily handle a six function slope racer. I bought a clean used RnR Genesis thermal duration plane for $300, servos included (flew awesome, btw). Lots of people have that attitude that last years stuff isnt the hot setup anymore and dump their gear, so the idea is to be there to to "help them out". You dont want to buy junk, but there are some amazing deals to be had.
But for now- take the advice you see. The Multplex easy glider flies great too. Get your first season under your belt and get to know the local fliers.