As far as a second plane, i have to agree with the Ultra Stik reccomendation. My 2nd plane was a very old used .40 Stik (not sure what brand, not an ARF though). It was just as easy to fly as my trainer, maybe even easier, and a lot more fun. I didn't stick with it too long though cuz i really wanted a scale plane. The stick was an easy handler and landed very gently.

My main plane now is the GP Extra 300S .40. Some people could probably get away with it as a second plane, but i wouldn't reccomend it. Surprisingly gentle for a real aerobat though.