RE: Spend my money.... Transmitter??
6 will work in most applications though I have models with more. Its not only the number of channels but the depth of programming, ball bearing gimbals etc that you get with the higher end radios.
As for the Spektrum-JR/Futaba debate, I fly both and don't have any problems with either one.
Go to the toy shop, hold the radios in your hands, play around with the programming, and find out what works and feels best for you.