What you say about the larger CP machines is what's driving this thread. And driving me nuts. There are a few analogies that hold true in this situation.
Whether it's a tennis racket, a racecar, a camera or an electric helicopter, a pro performs better using high grade equipment.
It's difficult for a pro to make a lesser piece look good.
It's even more difficult for a rookie to function with lesser equipment.
Inversely, a rookie will perform better and learn faster on better equipment.

So that's what's driving this whole thing. Once I determine how much of my frustration is due to the heli and how much is my own inability, the path I take will be more easily determined. I need more practice, no question about that.
I'm going to paste paste the results of this entire thread into one document and I'll hang onto it as a reference. So far everyone who has responded has been great. Fliers have their own preferred machinery, but no one is claiming that everything else is junk or not worth the money.

Good stuff. I read several posts per week with guys looking for direction. This thread will be good for all of us.