First of all scale planes are for IMAC, there isn't anything that fly's as good as a pattern plane, I understand that you are just starting out, but if you look at the TOC then you will see that all the top pilots has came from pattern not IMAC, pattern is more involved that just buying a scale plane and flying it, it is the R&D of flying, these designs have came from over 40 years of testing to achieve the most precise flying planes in the world, as for as looks that's like saying that a cap and a extra look alike, as for as pattern designs go they are beautiful, graceful, and even elegant, they are a place to show your artistic designs and have been the backbone noise control for many years.
In conclusion if you want to fly and see scale planes do aerobatics then IMAC is what you want, if you want the freedom of design, creativity, and artistic skills of the best flying machines then pattern is the way to go.
Steve Maxwell