Hello everybody
Ok, I know most of the general arguments about the modes. But I also know that I'm a total newbie, so I'd appreciate some advice/knowledge. (This site is awesome)

1. I'm set on teaching myself to fly, so finding a mode 1 flight instructor is not an issue.
2. I plan on getting my pilot's license. (full scale)
3. I believe that mode 1 makes more sense for rc planes (separation of aileron and elevator seems more precise), and mode 2 makes more sense for helis (separation would make flying more difficult rather than more precise. Note: I can't fly didley, so what do I know?
4. I got a Hitec 6channel, and swapped it over to mode1, but I still can't even land a trainer on my Real Flight, so its not too late to go back.
5. I want to be a Sunday flyer, but eventually I plan to get into giant scale 3D and Pylon racing (I was blown away at the Madera air races). I plan to compete, but winning is not important.

I would love to be the cool guythat flysmode 1 in the US, but dang I don't wanna be an outsider. Plus, if I teach some kid to fly mode 1 someday, I might be doing him or her a disservice.

I'm getting serious about learning to fly. I've got the time and some money, so I need to commit one way or another.
I'm in a club of great guys (SAM Salinas Area Modelers)that fly mode 2 exclusively, but I'm keeping an open mind. Although I'm not rich, I can afford the crashesthat will come with teaching myself.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Is it possible to learn both?

Respectfully, Salinas Hawk