I've been flying RC for 18 years and have never had a stik. I'm considering a GP 40 for our club fun flys (informal events that require full attention to maneuvers and not beautiful landings). I'll put an OS 50 SX ringed on it. I like the hi wing, sturdy gear, hi visibility colors. I understand the nose weight problem. I have a 60 Uproar with a Saito 100 on it, 15x6 prop. It was a kit and the folks on this site alerted me to the nose problem, so I moved everything back while building. Weighs 7lb 3oz. As a tail dragger it takes concentration to land in a gusty wind. In the air it's like a video game. If a maneuver goes bad, just hit reset and start over.

BTW: What size is the fuel tank on the 40 stik?

Also, regarding the hold down pin - the hold down dowel on my 15 year old Tiger 2 became slightly lose because the hole in the bulkhead had wallowed out. I wrapped a strip of carbon fiber with CA around the dowel and sanded smooth. It's tighter than Dicks' hatband.

Steve