My trainer had a bolt on wing. I never crashed it or plopped it down in a way that the wing would even have a chance of coming off. However I've seen enough new guys put the plane in in some very interesting ways and wonder how on earth did they do that. So I'd say go for the ugly rotting rubber bands but if possible build it so it can be bolted on too. Overall (mostly after your trainer) I agree with hossfly on building to fly and not to crash. Still get a durable trainer just don't get a indestructible trainer that flies like a brick. Plus if you learn well you will not crash too often. Well except till you started hovering 5' off the ground.