Phil,
I'm sure you know I was pulling your leg - it's a tradition on here.
Have a look at the Gardan Horizon GY 80 - to me it looks like it has the same genes as the Diplomate. I flew an Horizon but didn't like the short coupled elevator or the wind up u/c that took the flaps in at the same time.
I've operated one off's myself and whilst great fun when you arrive somewhere and the whole club house empties to see what it is, I always did less hours at more cost than my pal in his PA 28-180.
Nevertheless, good on ya!
Sir George Cayley