Questions about ram air emergency parachutes

(Moved from the parachute comfort thread)

Uli asked:
Not wanting to derail this thread any further (if that is even possible) but realistically, how difficult is it to use a ram-air chute vs. a round canopy? I have only three static line jumps under a military style Pioneer L-10 and the landings were - shall we say - harsh and firm!
My current shut is nearing its service life and I am looking for options.

Uli
'AS'

Uli et al, from my limited experience:
Before selling a ram-air chute, Allen Silver required proof that a buyer can operate one. At the time I had over 100 hours of paraglider, which is just a high aspect ratio ram-air wing, but thought it best to log a couple of square chute jumps anyway.
Both of those jumps were similar to ye olde static line jumps with a round chute: With a square, the instructor removes the pilot chute and holds on to it, then you exit the plane. Spoils the fun a bit as there is no real free fall.
Both of my jumps included a pattern and a stand-up landing in front of the other instructor. The second jump also included a spiral dive to burn off altitude. afterwards I was told that was a bad idea as the automatic reserve deployment system could have sensed free fall and dumped the main, deployed the reserve. So if you make a square chute jump on rental gear don't do that!
That second landing, I was able to land in front of the instructor in the LZ, turn around then dump the parachute on the ground in front of me. This is a good technique if there is wind, as you can step/walk/run towards the chute to prevent being dragged. Try that with a round chute.
In 20 round chute jumps I did a few good stand-up landings, but they weren't pretty. There is nowhere near the control that is available with a square chute. No landing pattern, not as much choice of where to land. Round chutes are awful to land in more than 10MPH of wind. Chukar luckily landed on a light pole in Reno.
Square chutes are easy to fly and land. When first opened, an emergency chute is trimmed hands off to minimum sink. After the toggles are released, hands off trim is at Max L/D.
Mine is a Performance Designs PD235. The 3.5:1 glide ratio isn't much worse than my first hang glider!
Jim