FFF
I too have spent many long hours thinking about this. There will never be a perfect aeroplane, Every aeroplane is a compromise. If I had my pick I would choose the Vans RV-4. A lancair 320/360 also rates highly, but there speed and small size doesnt make them the safest little plane around. The most appealing qualities of the lancair are looks and speed. both fairly important.
My wish list would go:
1. Taildragger, or retractable tricycle
2. Stick. none of that control column crap.
3. Tandem seating- it feels more like a fighter.
4. Aerobatic.
5. Sliding canopy.
6. speed.
7. range.
Cheers
PD