Very neutral, very forgiving and very accurate.

It has no bad surprises at all. BUT it does have some very pleasant surprises.

It is NOT a trainer but it could be. Wring it out and it will stay with you. I find it to be a very pleasant surprise.

Regarding the poor experience you quoted I believe that flier did not use the appropriate servos etc. and ended up adding a lot of weight for balance.

The A/C is quite capable and will do whatever you would like to do (Pattern wise). Whether it is a ten or a seven is up to the pilot.

Landing it even in high winds is very controllable.

Last time up I was caught by a fast moving front and landed with the shingles on our shed roof standing straight up.
It handled quite nicely and didn't even brush a wing tip in extremely gusty conditions.

Not recommended, but the plane will handle conditions you have nightmares about. That is the plain truth without one iota of exaggeration.

Probably the best kept secret out there.