I would go with one of QQ's planes - adapted to fly pattern well, but still IMAC legal. 73" Somenized Yak with a YS 140 engine:
http://www.qqaircraft.com/planes.asp...&s_PLANE_CAT=c
Ability to compete in pattern and IMAC means lots of stuff to learn and improve on.
Looks, performance, power, quality. You can always be better at doing something, and I think these planes should be the most capable at honestly showing you your flying skills.