FNG: Old Sarum have operated a number of Bulldogs but currently have G-BULL (ex-Hong Kong) and G-BCUV (ex-Ghana, I think!).
They've been very popular, mainly for aeros and formation training but also some people choose to do PPLs and IMCs in them (both airways equipped). Because of the handling people also like them for solo hire.
There haven't been any type-specific problems and I haven't heard that maintenance is any more difficult than the other types on the fleet.
BEAGLE: I agree that the Bulldog spins "properly" and needs correct recovery actions but maybe your post slightly overstates the situation - although I certainly wouldn't spin without a chute. During aeros courses I teach "academic" spins, precision (1 1/2 turn) spins and spin-from-manoeuvre - after a very large number of spins in 4 airframes and with a very large range of entry energy states, control positions, attitudes, etc I've only had a couple of brief surprises and both were down to mishandling.
The only things I'd say are that it's difficult to get it to depart from manoeuvre because you have to be so ham-fisted and precision spins are hard work because there seems to be variability between airframes.
[ 15 August 2001: Message edited by: hugh flung_dung ]