RE: Thumbs or fingers?
My first radio was a single stick. An 8 channel Heath kit I built. The single stick moves in the standard manner for elevator an aileron, but you rotated the 1 inch diameter top end for rudder. All this was with the right hand. The radio was cradled in the left arm such that the left hand fingers were able to operate the slide switch on the right side of the radio which was the throttle. After about 10 years I lost confidence in my Heath kit radio and purchased two Futaba radios. I was a nervouse wreck making the transition from single to two sticks. I naturally chose the two finger method. Like others here, I believe two fingers gives you better control.