This entire discussion is kind of interesting. To me, the mode 2 setup is perfectly natural. You pull back to rotate backward, you push forward to rotate forward, left to rotate left and so on. Maybe it's because my first flying experience was in a full scale plane and this is basically how the controls work or maybe it's just because it matches the way me brain is wired (what's left of it anyhow). I just can't see how anyone doesn't find the standard stick layout normal. I guess peoples perceptions all vary. I also think a few people may have the up, down thing a little confused. Actually, once you start doing any sort of aerobatics, up, down, left and right all become relative. If the plane is traveling toward you and it is inverted, everything is backward. That's why you have to think about it from the plane's perspective, not yours. It works for me anyhow.

As for learning to fly without an instructor, I did it. I think I did OK too but I sorta regret it. I probably would have learned quicker, and with one or two less crashed airplanes if I'd joined a club sooner and learned from some experienced people. Wherever you fly, make sure that there are no club fields within a few miles. You could easily take down someones expensive airplane if you are on the same channel. Trust me, it can happen.