If I'm not mistaken, both the Fourstar 40 and the Tiger were introduced when engines came in .40 and .60 and not much in between. No doubt thousands of these planes were flown for years on bushed .40-sized two-strokes. My own Tiger II flew just fine with an old O.S. .40.

That said, the modest power of the .40 does require the pilot to pay more attention to things like flying speed, angle of attack, and control response. For those reasons I think you're getting a great education with the Cessna--it's making you a better pilot--although I wouldn't wish all those repairs on anyone.