Do you want to learn to fly an RC plane?

Or do you want to buy a lot of replacement scale planes?

If you've already decided, the I'd recommend a LOT of practice on a simulator. Maybe you could find a field which supplies trainers to students.

Cubs ain't so easy to takeoff. Of my 5 flyable planes, the cub is the only one which has not yet flown due to wheel alignment and pilot issues.

Have you looked at and rejected all of the trainers? I agree somewhat - most of the trainers are dog-ugly. The Hobbico Avistar ain't so bad looking.