I would listen to your buddies if I were you and get that SSE done. You could build 4 of the SSE's in 100 hours, they go together so fast. I guarantee once you fly one you'll love it! It will roll 3 times in 1 second if you want, stay right on track and will also land slow on a dime.
And instead of ordering that Big "ugly" Stik for your 90 ST, I'd be ordering an OS 46 AX for the SSE. You already have a big "ugly" LT 40 trainer you are sick of.
Then you'd have a (4-Star) Harley and also a little (SSE) Mercedes in your hanger.
What more could a guy like you ask for....other than more money?
Good Luck!