"G.R. Patterson III" wrote:

That big [Maule] fin makes it a real bear to handle
in any crosswind over about 12 knots

Indeed. I vastly prefer the smaller, rounded vertical
fin of my M4-210C (been flying it since 1971) to the
billboard-sized "whale tail" fins of the M5's and later.

When the wind is down the runway, the big vertical fin
of the M5's (and later) probably makes it easier to stay
straight, which I guess is nice for a beginner tailwheel
pilot. But does it ever weathervane in a strong crosswind!

fwiw in the M4-210C, I have done takeoffs (a cinch) and
landings (not a cinch) with a direct crosswind of
15G40 knots - runway 24 @ CYSH after a strong cold
frontal passage, wind out of the north at 330 magnetic.

I don't think that would be possible in an M5 or later.

P.S. Pop quiz - why did I chose the wind from the right
with a 90 degree crosswind? Think about what would
happen during an overshoot because of weathervaning, with
the application of power.

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ATP http://www.pittspecials.com/images/oz_inv.jpg