Ugly (or is it retro ?) the Brantly may be but....with such a low CG you will never tip it over,it is much smoother and more maneuverable than a Robbo ,much safer and doesn't cost much more to operate.New ones also cost about the same as an R22 but are built like a brick **** house and can take much more punishment.
Second hand ones are relatively cheap and unlike the Robbo have no finite life and 12,000 overhaul times.Certainly if you want a helicopter to fly ..say 100 hours a year ,the Brantly is an excellent cost effective option.
Ask anyone who flies it ..they all love 'em.