Pitch, stick with your idea and don't miss the joy of a small, simple three-channel plane. I flew three channel types for years before I got an aileron plane and the transition was a non-issue. They are such a pleasure to learn on, and some of us like to keep a couple of three channel types on hand long after we've learned to fly more sophisticated types. Funny thing is that some guys in our club who learned on ailerons are afraid to try a plane without them!

I've flown many planes in the .09 to .25 size range over the years--the engines are easy to start and cheap to run, the planes are very manageable without disassembly, and they don't hit as hard when they go in--more bounce less bust. Nothing wrong with 46s, but the 46 orthodoxy shouldn't dissuade anyone from the terrific smaller planes. It's true that there aren't many kits in those sizes anymore beyond the trainers you mention, but there are hundreds of delightful and simple plans in that range that take no more time to build than most kits. Small planes tend to have fewer parts and they are easy to scratch build.

The Eaglet 50 is a great choice. So is the old Sig Kadet Jr., which often turns up on ebay--I had one with a mild .25 that was one of my favorite planes. I've watched an LT-25 that seemed to me like the ideal trainer. Just don't try to strengthen by beefing up and using lots of epoxy--keep them light. Jim

ps--I have 40s, a 70 and a 90, too