The Nexstar actually is a better trainer after all the special trainer stuff is removed.

I've taught a number of beginners who brought out Nexstars. The first few flights are better for them with the junk on. But after they've gotten just a couple of flights the airplane and they do lots better (and safer) with the drag brakes and wing droops off. It's a decent flying model cleaned up. And it's "knock off" landing gear is definitely a plus. It's the best trainer feature the airplane has.

I think most beginners want to stick with all that stuff because they think it makes the airplane fly safer. It just makes it fly closer to stall speed. And with less power margin. Gusts can kill it. And it will struggle with some turns. If the droops lower the stall speed then the drag from those drag things kills any needed acceleration and push the stall speed back up. Even a 46AX has problems dragging that sucker in for a landing with all the junk on it. And that's where a trainer needs some nimble, not numbing.