Dave, I'm not sure I agree with your contention that fast response equals safety in an amateur-built and -flown aircraft. The opposite may be closer to the truth. Combine a twitchy aircraft with an inexperienced pilot, & the result may very well be parts 'all over Hell & half of Texas'. Couldn't a slower, more deliberate control response in fact be safer in this case? 12k+ hours later, I prefer a responsive aircraft, but I still vividly remember my first flight in a TH55, & it's a good thing a nervous IP was in the left seat to correct my severe overcontrolling tendencies.
I'm not completely sure which side I'm on here, but I do think some consideration is worthwhile.