Ben- the example of the kite was for when it would by flying at somewhere around 60-80 degrees to the wind. At that high of AoA, there shouldn't be any real flow over the top surface, and any lift should be from particle reaction. Don't know why I said 'flat plate kite at low angle of attack', it was late.

Neb- As far as the propwash goes, that's a really good question. I'm not sure. Has anyone ever tried to measure the force of the propwash? But you are right, the propwash does act as an apparent wind over the control surfaces, just watch a stunt plane manuever while hovering.

Low speed handling is really determined by the wing loading. A turbine powered Learjet with small wings that weighs alot is going to be very sluggish at low speeds, whearas a light piston powered Cessna will have no problems. Of course, low speed is relative here; the bizjet's stall speed is probably right around the Cessna's max speed. But for full size aircraft in general, the propwash really doesn't help control.