Collective pitch helis are always going to be harder than a co-axial. I had the same experience you are going through. I just set aside the CPP and got a Belt CP and I could hover it for a full pack on the first try. Where as I was crashing the CPP left and right. If you step up to a 400-450 sized heli I think you will have more enjoyable experience. The spindles and mainshafts are thicker and can take some abuse. It took a few crashes before I bent my spindle and mainshaft in my T-Rex 450. My main gears don't strip. It usually just needs new blades after a crash.

That is just my 2 cents.

Nick