I remember being 'surprised' by the change in attitude of the 44 after I did my type rating with Geoff Day when he got out.
(how is he these days? - not seen him for years)
I had about 100 hours at the time. I should imagine the first solo in a 44 would be a bit of a handful. The 44 doesnt strike me as an ideal trainer. Just my opinion. It was an Astro but I dont think the W&B implications are different are they?