Glasairdriver, I don't think you will be disappointed with the choice of the Focus II as your first 2-meter pattern ship, both from the perspective of flying qualities (which are excellent!), and the "conventional" firewall/cowl configuration which give you a lot more working room when installing your first soft mounted gasser.

Matt, I just ordered my second SAP-180 to start assembling a back-up (or primary) plane. Don't know yet what it will be, but hoping that EF or 3DHS will get something to market in our lifetimes, or possibly pick up something second hand for a retrofit. I could happily repeat the Focus II exercise - and a lot quicker this time! - but I just want to try it with a widebody plane with a fully enclosed pipe and a chin cowl.