The Nexstar is a OK plane if you disconnect the self leveling feature (To many get to relying on it and do not learn to fly) so yes a regular plane is hard to fly. As far as hard to handle in the wind, all of your high wing trainers (my experience) are way harder to land in the wind. The PTS is a very good plane. Just do what ever feel's right to you & enjoy it . Just remember use a good Instructor.

Always drink upstream from the herd.