I've flown trainers and the Tiger 2, and I think you could learn on the Tiger. It's a trike, and it handles very predictably. BUT... The Tiger is a beautiful plane. The chances are you are going to damage some planes before you are totally competent. Why damage the beautiful plane? The rubber bands serve a purpose, preventing damage.

I'm a little nervous about your comment about time and energy to get the next plane. Little do you know! I'm only a year or two past my trainer, and I already have 7 planes (I think, there may be one or two more up in the attic), 4 engines, 2 transmitters, 3 receivers and piles of servos, and most of the guys in this hobby would say that's nothing! The problem for most of us is not enough planes, it's too many!