An alternative to a weight shifter would be something like a CFM Shadow.....?
I did my first ever fixed wing flying in a Shadow and it was a great little aeroplane....climbed at a good 800ft/min one up and cruised at about 70-80kts. Its a pusher (rotax rear mounted) with a nose wheel lower than the mains, so you need full back stick from the very start of the t/o roll to get her going. Great fun - although more expensive to buy than a flexy like a Blade. Abt £12K for a decent one.
http://www.futurshox.net/viewer.php3?id=857
If I came back to the UK I would certainly consider the Microlight option for economy. Flying out of a 350m farm strip in Herts was great!!!!!!!!