If you take a look around the LMH subforum in the helicopters forum, you will see that the lite machines products have a pretty good following. I think it's all a matter of personal preference depending on what you really want. I have been pondering a helicopter purchase myself for about a year, and was led by the two or three heli pilots I know toward the lite machines, for the simple fact that they are relatively cheap, durable, and replacement parts are inexpensive. Also, I've been told that the collective pitch vs fixed pitch is a non-issue for learning on these machines. The guys I've talked to started out on .30 size helis and later flew the LMH, and wished for the sake of time and money that they had started out with this. Keep in mind that this is not gospel, just what I have learned from talking to the local eggbeater jockeys. As for myself, I have decided not to purchase any helis (for now) because I will be house-hunting soon, and this hobby is already eating far enough into my budget
PS, from what I've seen so far I would recommend you stay far far away from the piccolo, hornet, etc for your first whirlybird. They're not bad, but definitely squirellier and more delicate than something larger.