Welcome back, Ken. Things have changed since you left. Tail gyros have come a long way, and you'll think you died and went to heaven. Also everything is going to CCPM (which you mentioned) which reduces all the mechanical linkages on the heli.

There are many nitro 50 size helis on the market, and more adding every month. If you have a local hobby shop, which brand they have parts for, might help you make the decision. I'd look for one with "direct servo-to-swash" links which takes linkages down to bare min; helps to reduce slop. I even saw a gasoline powered (maybe 50 size), but they tend to be louder than nitro. Lots of new stuff. Have fun.