It hasnt been so long that I was where you are,, Tim can tell you about the plane he built to be durable,, and I thought as you did.
the first thing to know,, what is your aspiration? do you want to fly stunt, or fly sport?
It matters
also, a GOOD flying well trimmed plane is easier to learn how to do manuevers,, Look for my thread on my Impact ish profile,, and the tribulations I went through with it,,