Dissing the other type
Recently there has again been a discussion, in which posters make a specific point of dissing other types, apparently because they don't like the way they fly. Yup, the accused types certainly can be found guilty of lack lustre handling, some 58 years since first certified, and in production. They must have something going for them! I entirely accept that the proposed [nice handling] types are very nice to fly - no argument about that from me.
But, is the group better because a type or group of types are put down? Nope! Sure, every plane is a compromise, something gives so something else is adequate, and the plane fills its intended role somewhat. No plane does everything well. As planes are different, so are pilot/owners. Perhaps some pilots/owners are looking for different strong points in a plane - great, they're looking! We, our small fragile and diminishing industry, do not get better because people are divisive, and put others down - including their choice of aircraft type.
Sure, there are necessary discussions about characteristics, strong points, and weaknesses in a design/type. It is a vital element here that experience and tribal knowledge are circulated, particularly to new, and eager to own pilots - they will keep our industry alive!
Knocking one type, because you don't care for it serves no benefit to our pastime, it discourages and confuses potential owners - who we would all like to attract! Our collective best success, is a new owner joining our ranks, who is truly happy with their aircraft choice, having broadened their consideration to their personal needs based upon good discussion here.
I myself, have flown 81 different types of GA aircraft. I could find something to like about every one of them, and would delight in boasting about it if I though that information would be useful in supporting someone to make a good decision about a purchase. I have stumbled into some real "gotcha's" with some types, and will warn prospective owners if asked, 'cause those characteristics could wind up being rather expensive for that otherwise idyllic plane. Fine, if you're prepared to pay when the time comes, as long as you knew to ask as you considered purchase, not after.
But generally, certified GA types all have something to offer which a pilot can appreciate, and all it takes is objective and encouraging presentation to grow our ranks. So why diss the other guy's choice of plane in general? Say what you know about the type, good or bad if it needs to be said, and answers the question asked. But how about leaving the other owners feeling as proud about their choice, as you are about yours?
I chose one of my planes 29 years ago, and I'm as proud of that choice today as I was then. More proud... during that time, new paint, OH engine, interior, and avionics new - better now that when I bought it! And, it was fully paid for 29 year ago, and I don't even think about the cost to operate it! My other plane is newer to me, and would horrify the flying purists with its terrible ailerons, but you should be along for the Step Turn it can safely do on the water. It needs the oversized, heavy, unbalanced ailerons for the water handling - the designer knew he had to compromise! It has a 123 MPH Vne - because there are no aileron balance weights to prevent flutter - they'd be too heavy! I did not select it for nice aileron feel, I did select it because of what it does well on the water.
So how about not only be proud of our plane, but also the choices made by all the other owners who also support our industry.....