A patter plane is very specialized for flying a pattern aerobatic routine. When set up right and flown by the right pilot they are very precise and graceful. I'd encourage you to check out a pattern contest if any are held in your area. Some people say it is boring but if you understand the skill involved it can be pretty impressive. Your Dolphin is a sport plane, not a pattern plane and could never be competitive in a competition. That doesn't mean someone can't fly pattern-like maneuvers with it though. In fact, I've heard of people flying pretty good pattern routines with Goldberg Tigers and World Models T-34's. Pilot skill likely has a lot to do with that and they'd never hold a candle to a purpose built pattern plane of course.

I am by no means a pattern expert and probably don't know 1/10 of the resources out there but this site came up first on a Google search: http://nsrca.us/

3-D is a different animal. It involves flying the plane in a stalled condition, keeping it in the air only with thrust from the prop and maneuvering by vectoring prop thrust with oversized control surfaces. I've dabbled in it and I can tell you that a good plane makes a world of difference but pilot skill is even more important. It isn't easy, at least not to do it well. To see some 3-D planes and videos, check out http://ohiomodelplanes.com/

I agree with Campgems, I wouldn't be so much concerned with the looks of a plane at this stage. I know that's hard with so many beautiful aircraft out there. Planes are like women in that regard. If you really want a scale looking 3'rd plane, look at the GP Cherokee. I just finished assembling mine and I can tell you it will be plenty good to keep just about any pilots interest.

You can cross that bridge when you come to it though. Flying has a way of treating you well and everything goes smooth then it kicks you in the a** just when you think you have it mastered. There is a lot to learn and discover. I'd recommend concentrating on what you have fr the time being. Of course as an admitted airplane addict myself, I know that's often tough or impossible to do.