Divesplat: Very well said, I have done both, and I agree with your points 100%. I wish they had Message Board awards for saying what needs to be said without starting a flame war. Personally, I saw this thread starting and figured it would be locked in short order.

Patternrules: How well something flies is very dependant on the pilot. [I] happen to think a well built 40% Scale Aerobatics aircraft flies a lot better than the latest pattern designs. Not because the designs are very different, but because they are so much larger. In my book, bigger flies better. In your book, more pattern like flies better. We are both right. Each individual needs to fly both and then decide what fits his/her thumbs the best.

Richardfast: the best part of competition is the camraderie. A bunch of guys with similar interest spending the whole weekend together - at all the contests I have been to, it doesnt matter <what> you fly, everyone is happy you decided to show up. Its awesome. And the added benny of becoming the most disciplined flyer at your local club doesnt hurt

Roger