Peter Dohm wrote:

And there are a significant fraction that almost NEVER fly.


That "almost" is a real concern. I presume that pilot proficiency is as
important as the aircraft.


Absolutely, Peter.

The smaller machines can be a handful at first.

Even when perfectly balanced, they can be very quick to respond.
Way much more so than anything built in Wichita or Florida.

My parasol, as an example, flies strictly by thought control.
(Stole the set-up from the Russians

You only THINK about moving the stick.
If you actually MOVE it, you're going for a roller coaster ride!

Mind you, it's not unstable, twitchy or anything like that.
It's just quick!

The control pressure is very light, and the pressure gradient
(i.e.: the increase in stick pressure due to control deflection)
is less than a pound per G.

It's a finger tip airplane. One finger tip on top of the stick.

Somebody used to a Cessna or Piper is going to be at a real disadvantage
for the first flight(s?).
Until they get used to it.
Then, the old Cessna suddenly feels like flying a 2-ton dump truck.

Richard