RE: Kit or RTF????
I'll add one more to consider- the walkera cb180-.
My brother has the cb100, a smaller version and it's a joy to fly. As stable as a coax (we did hands free for over a minute) but still an FP so it's capable of anything an FP can do. It would be almost as easy to learn on as a coax but able to grow with you and not get boring.
Wow hobbies has been a very reliable source for both heli and parts. They have several different versions with different options and prices.
[link]http://www.wowhobbies.com/walkeracb180zbrushlesshelicopterwk-2402txcncheadshaftdrivetail.aspx[/link]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoWOGKNxRos[/youtube]