I am also just beginning in jets after many years with props. I looked at many entry level jets and saw the same "ugly" the you did until I saw the Reaction 54. Mine arrived via UPS today. One beautiful box of wood. It's slow enough to learn "Jetise" with and land in our grass field. The plane is low wing with retracts and an exposed turbine which really doesn't look that bad. Very sleek looking and it lends itself to kit bashing if you are so inclined. That a trip through the Reaction 54 forum on RCU and get some info.