RE: Next step up from trainer
the STICKS have been around FOREVER for some very good reasons. There is no doubt it is a clasic in any version.
here are just a couple reason to try a stick:
free plans (look around RCU they are everywhere)
easy scratch build (also available as an arf)...possibly THE easiest scratch build
simple quick build
easy to set up and repair
But The most important reason is they fly great