It's hard to beat the Spektrum DX7 for price, features, and flexibility. You can get them at myrcsupply.com for $292 plus shipping with a receiver and four digital servos. The next step up on the Spektrum side is the 9 channel JR X9303 in 2.4GHz, but it's about $500, pretty big price difference. If you get a Futaba 9C, the 2.4GHz module only works with two different Futaba receivers right now. The Spektrum DX7 will work with ALL of the Spektrum aircraft receivers (8 different receivers available right now). The DX7 has a graphical display, like the Futaba 9C for endpoints, expo, etc.

I have a 9C and a DX7, I doubt I'll be getting any 2.4GHz modules for the 9C... I'll probably save up my pennies and get the X9303 next year sometime.