To underline Ed's point, trainers are for training but then what do you do with it? Most designs on the market today are based on the false assumption that the student doesn't know an elevator from an aileron and needs a hands-off stable plane to learn the most basic skills . However, many clubs offer training with furnished planes complete with buddy box and often students even have access to computer simulators to practice during the week. As a result the training environment is much richer and more accelerated than 20 years ago. Beginning to novice pilots need a "transition plane" that builds easily and can let them expand their comfort zone into basic aerobatics yet be able to recover easily land safely. The Trainer 20/40/60 line may have been a little advanced as a first plane when I learned but it makes more sense today. It will remain relevant and entertaining in their hanger for a much longer period than the other stuff.