I second the Four Star. I built a Four Star 40 kit during the winter, before I started flying, and I started flying it about 6 weeks after I soloed on my trainer this August. I was far from an expert on my trainer, but I was good enough at takeoffs and landings that I felt confident in breaking out the 4*. It only took a few flights to get comfortable with it, and then it just became a blast to fly compared to the trainer.

I still practice takeoffs and landings with my trainer almost every time I go to the field, but I spend most of my flying time with my Four Star. There are other planes that are as good or better, but I have had a great time building and flying this thing. Mine is pretty stock, but there are easy mods you can do to make it look more like a "real plane".

I wouldn't knock "sticks" either. There is much to be said for a simple, easy to repair plane that is very aerobatic. I'm sure I will find one in my hangar before too long.