Raindave, I would prefer to apply a cloth/base coat/clear coat paint finish vice Monokote but I'm going to wait and see what the weight of the airframe is first. RTF, I really want to stay 8lbs or below. I've have however used Monokote on most of my past airplanes and if carefully applied, it looks good. But nothing compares to a nice paint finish IMO!

Ref glow vs electric cost, I agree with your comments although I've not looked at the issue to the degree you have. It's going to cost me roughly $1000 just to power this puppy which includes an extra 8S battery pack.
Motor = $150
ECS= $200
Lipo 8S 3700 (X 2) = $700
On the plus side, no messy oil residue, expensive 25% nitro fuel, pricy glow plugs, bearings (which I had to replace often), etc.

To be honest, the rapidly improving electric aspect has been the catalyst to my getting back into RC airplanes. I'm looking forward to getting airborne again.

Jeff L