I have heard a lot of good things about the ARF PT 19 that is available now (Hanger9 I believe) it is a bigger plane than the plastic one and is supposed to fly well.
On the other hand-I love flying 1/2 A-yes, they can be squirrelly, but a well designed and balanced 1/2a model flys just fine. Just take a look @ the 1/2a combat guys flying-they seem to have no problem with control!
Also: you might try using the high tech braided fishing lines that are available now(Fireline, Fusion et al). They don't kink like steel, in fact they are advertized as being stronger than steel in tensile tests. They are UV and chemical resistant as well and seem to slice the air as well as steel.(Smaller diameter for equivalent strength.)30 to 40 foot lines for 1/2a depending on the model/engine size seems to be the consensus. Good luck and have fun!!