The shafts are very strong on the outrunners and can be replaced if need be, I personally would never have anything to do with a gearbox but thats just me. I have done a full throttle nose in on mine and it didn't hurt it at all. Also, the flat wings are lighter and are actually better for high alpha flight. Finally, I would stick with one servo for the ailerons to keep the weight down. I don't see any reason to use more that necessary. I don't know if it will handle wind better that the typhoon but I didn't have any problem in high winds with my bipe. I have actually landed with the wings level and the airplane getting blown backwards it was so windy. I had to keep the throttle up so I could go pick it up without it blowing away.