With respect to fine pilots who have given worthwhile information in this thread, I'd highly recommend that you CALL (not email, blog, etc) someone with a great deal of experience in gliders. I can recommend 3 in your area that would be happy to spend the time talking directly to you about the pros and cons of ships and transition training. A 15 minute call will give you a great deal more information than this thread will and if you access local pilots, they will tailor the info to Western and Eastern Washington soaring conditions. Steve Northcraft is an LS8 driver who is also your regional SSA Director. Mike Newgard is the President of the SGC and flies a Ventus. Noel Wade runs the Dustup at EPH every year. Noel is currently transitioning from STD to 15M. All are excellent competition pilots. Their phone numbers can be found at the Seattle Glider Council website. Reach out to them. It definitely will be worth your while.