I often tell people who are new to the hobby not to get a bigger radio than they need, but this advice comes from experience. I see way too many people start out in this hobby only to give it up after they realize that it is more difficult than they thought it woud be.

I also discourage newbies from "Playing" with all of the bells and whistles on a high-end radio... And I CAN fly

My reasoning for this is simple - how would you feel if you were trying to teach someone to drive a car but they were too busy trying to find their favorite radio stations to pay attention to parallel parking instructions?

But in YOUR case, you have been flying for a while, and you enjoy it, AND you already want to move up. I would recommend that you get at least a 4-channel radio. A 6-channel radio will let you advance to things like retractable landing gear and flaps, or bomb/parachute dropping, smoke, etc. A 6-channel computer radio will also allow you to do more advanced things like mixing controls.

So the choice is yours. If you're just looking to do some basic flying, get a 4-channel radio.

If you see yourself going beyond that, AND your budget will allow, get a 6

Good luck!