Big Barry,
I have always tried to do just as you mentioned... for instance, in my recent GP Ultimate review I stated:
I'm not completely sure it's an all out 3D plane... as there are many specialty planes out there that have design elements that allow for stall speed stability. However, for an all around plane and IMAC tune up... It's a real thumbs up, especially when you consider the value. It's perhaps the best value for entry level gas you can find.
To break it down:
If you are a Sunday flier - this will be your favorite plane
If you are into IMAC and some mild 3D, you can't beat the value/performance combination
If you are new to 3D and want to find a good 3D trainer, keep looking, there are planes that are better to learn on.
If you are a seasoned, hardcore 3D'er... strap a 50cc engine on her and let her rip.
If you simply love Ultimates... this one has the lines, the quality, the performance and the value to become your next project.
On the Yak... yes I do have video... but it's part of the review... hopefully within a week or two it'll go live and you'll be able to see it... it's really not all that much... mostly the clean IMAC stuff... but I do show 3-4 flatspins, a really nice wall with no snap tendency... and a poor excuse for a hover... I kept goosing the throttle and the BME 22x8 spun so fast (7400!) that I kept creeping upward.
My buddy shooting told me he was suprised at the pullout at 18 lbs 2 oz... (I did NOT cover the single aileron mod in the review as I felt that was more than the average builder might be willing to do. Nor did I review the gear because they don't actually have Yak gear for it... I used 33% Edge gear that saved 1/4 lb...)
I wasn't able to get video of the 17.5 lb version... but it wasn't all that much "more umph" but plenty. I was able to get several more flights though, testing the blenders, hovering, harriers, etc...