clovus,

Thanks for the kind words.

If you take the money factor out of your decision to use electric power, all that is left is a personal preference. You say that, "it just seems the engine route is easier/faster to build". This fits your situation best. For me, it is easier to use an electric power system. I find it cleaner and the quiet sound allows me to fly just about anywhere. My electric planes last longer due to less vibration and no caustic residue to wipe off or soak into the wood. Although gas is less expensive, glow fuel does cost $15-$20 per gallon in the U.S.

I haven't been with FMA since last November and my short one year employment with them is a small portion of my near decade-long electric flight obsession.

The two most difficult areas of electric flight for many people are deciding which motor to use and paying for fuel up front. For me, I enjoy the motor selection and mounting as much as I do flying. Once paid for, the battery pack fuel provides free flying for hundreds of flights...if not more. New technologies like A123 cells provide alternate choices for entry level enthusiasts wishing to trade weight for cost. The cost of an AXI 5330 and Jeti 90-amp ESC combo is down to only $411 at [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/brushless-axi5330.htm]Hobby Lobby[/link]. Not bad for a 3000 watt (4h.p.) power system! Other Chinese-made power systems tout even less cost. It is a continuously changing environment.

Finally, in case I still haven't answered your question, the larger electric conversions may or may not be for showmanship. My 33% Edge 540 certainly is my flagship and the cost is well above many of my other conversions. However, the 1/4 scale Cub I converted from World Models has been the envy of many local longtime R/Cers as it stays as clean and new as when I pulled it out of the box. It will fly for 15 minutes using inexpensive NiCd packs. A few years ago, this was simply not as easily done and the cost was very prohibitive.