Flickoff is right - the 52 is comparatively heavy in the roll - more so than a Pitts, according to a friend of mine who has an S2A and has flown with me in my 52. I use two hands for rolls and flicks. I think that very well flown they could be competitive at Intermediate level but you would need to apply Gena levels of skill and aircraft familiarity- which few people have (and certainly not me!).
The aircraft does have plenty of other redeeming features though - formation aeros not least of all, with regular schools held at both North Weald and Compton Abbas.
By the way SSD, your description of starting made me wonder whether you were priming the cylinders sufficiently (?). I usually get a few more cylinders to light up immediately, but then every engine is different. Mine catches without even one blade turning - ie the starter turns the prop just to the first compression, it hesitates, (then mags to 1+2) and it catches straight away.
I enjoyed your article.
Cheers