All Arrows suck compared to either Cirrus or Bonanza. Thing is,
when I
fly with people in their Arrows, I don't have to bail them out.

You're suggesting that the problem is the airplane?

No, it's more complex than that. It's a combination of airplane and
marketing. The plane isn't really any more (or less!) demanding than
one of the big-engine Bonanzas or late-model Mooneys, but generally a
private pilot with 150 hours and no instrument rating contemplating the
purchase of a late-model Mooney or Bonanza is told that it's a really
bad idea. The Cirrus markets to that segment.

That's not to say it can't be done - I've checked out a 150 hour
private pilot with no instrument rating in an A-36 Bonanza. He's
reasonably safe - as long as he doesn't try to use it as reliable
transportation. It's too fast to scud run (unlike a 172 or even an
Arrow), and requires real instrument skills to survive an IMC
encounter, not the 3 hours minimal training a private pilot gets
(unlike a 172 or even an Arrow).

The reality is that the Cirrus (as well as a big-engine Bonanza or
Mooney) is too much airplane for most low time pilots, and a low time
pilot will need a lot of training and experience in the plane before he
can use it for reliable transportation. But if the Cirrus marketing
admitted this, their sales would suffer.

But there's
nothing inherent in the design that makes it less safe to fly than
any other
fast light single.

No, on balance I would put it in the same category as a V-35S Bonanza
or M20R Mooney. It's harder to slow down, but on the other hand it's
slightly less complex so it probably comes out in the wash.

The engine issues are still a drag. But there's nothing comparable
in terms
of performance and servicability at that price.

V35S Bonanza, new paint, new interior, factory reman engine. Glass
panel (now STC'd). TKS Weeping wings (with a better system than the
Cirrus has, now STC'd). Slightly faster on the same fuel burn. Fifth
seat for when you need it. Much nicer handling, lands slower, better
rough field airplane. All for less than half the price of an
equivalently equipped Cirrus.

Michael