RE: Getting back in to flying!!
The Optic 6 will definitely handle dual elevator servos (AILV function). These are a great radio except for:
The weak handle mounting (I've given up replacing the cases on mine and HiTec have lost the sales on our last 2 radios because of it - I bought Futaba instead). In fact the case on the Optic6 is quite rubbishy in general.
The Dual rates are only on 2 switches (One for Rudder / Elevator & one for Aileron) - I prefer to have a separate switch for each channel on dual rates.
There are only 2 positions available on the dual rates switch - I prefer 3 settings for 3d - Low, High and Wild. I don't know if any of the other radios mentioned have this but some of the "Top end ones" do.