I'm sure by now he has found a second plane! Can you tell us what you decided and your experience?

BTW, as important as the type of plane is the ARF manufacturer, which includes the guy who puts it together :-) A well made plane will automatically be much easier to fly. Having the right CG, an experienced pilot trim the plane can take much of the "risks" of moving up. Regardless what happens, I recommend that you give your plane (as hard as it is to trust someone with your baby) to someone experienced for the first flight.