RE: Aircraft progression
The bigger trainer is fine for you now, based on what you said. Just go fly it. Sell the smaller trainer and the tird bird and get a stick as a second, second plane. (You really don't need 2 trainers IMHO).
Sturdy birds and spads are designed to take a crash. Buy and build planes that are designed to fly, not crash. As you gain experience and confidence, you will find that spending money and time on crummy planes is truly a waste. While crashes do happen to all of us, this hobby would be far less enjoyable if all we did was 'prepare' for crashes.
After you have mastered the stick and can land it from any reasonable altitude, attitude and distance...move-on in whatever direction you like.
HAVE FUN!!