counter rotators: like the cx and cx2 are great for ppl who have zero stick time because they lack a tail rotor, which makes the physics easier to learn. the problem with them is they are limited to mainly indoor slow flights, as the wind will blow them around and they get very pitchy when you try to get them moving fast.

fixed pitch (fp): fp machines like the honeybee you mentioned, are a step up from counter rotators, but being fixed pitch are not good performers in fast forward flight. they also can't handle much more wind than a counter rotator. having a tail rotor, an fp machine will give you experience with tail control, however the large changes in rpm you get with an fp will make the tail a little harder to control than with collective pitch.

collective pitch (cp): imo cp machines like the blade cp&pro are better for ppl who have some experience with orientations and corrections. these machines are a little more tricky to get the hang of, but with 25yrs of plank and some heli sim time, you should fair well learning on one. they do much better in wind, and can handle fast forward flight (as well as aerobatics when you're ready). also, the fact that the lift is adjusted through pitch also, makes a cp machines tail easier to control than with fp.

parts availability: this will often be the reason your heli is grounded, and you know from planks that stick time is what it's all about. for this reason, i recommend sticking with eflight's blade series of helis, whether you co cp or counter rotating. besides having ample support from your lhs, there is a ton more info and upgrade options out there for blades than any other micro (and yes, many blade clones have parts that are generally not compatible with eflight's).

brand quality: i found eflight manufactures their stuff more consistently and precisely. personally owning both a honerbee cp2 and a cp pro, i can say for sure eflight is worth the extra $$$ because the precision makes it sooooooo much easier to fly. i won't say anything more about other brands, but i've read that ppl have similar feelings when it comes to venom and other similar brands.

i also had over 20yrs of plank before i started on an esky cp2, and i feel that background has allowed my to advance fast with helis. the knowledge you have of how r/c equipment works, as well as a mind that is used to tinkering with r/c, all helps when you enter the setup intensive world of helis. whether you go for a cx or a cp, i'm sure you will acheive success faster than you think.