The Extras you are seeing are generally larger planes and are engineered for 3D flying (large control surfaces, etc.) The Phoenix Extra is more "stock" and is probably best suited as an advanced sport flyer.

I still say you'd be shocked at what the Mach-1 can do. I've gotten mine to hover for short periods and all sorts of other stuff you wouldn't expect. Other pilots I've watched have even gotten more extreme with them. One of these days I am going to clip the wing on one and see how it flys. Same goes for the Stik. They have a very light wing loading and some (i.e. Ultra-Stick) are almost borderline 3D planes.

Regardless, I'd still use some sort of aerobatic sport plane as a stepping stone before moving on to a full blown 3D capable airplane. Something like a Super Sportster might be a good choice.