Hi WillyPete,
You are right that the Cabri controls feel heavy in comparison to R22 when doing the checks but in flight, provided the trim is set right, you just don't notice. In fact I like the fact that there is just a little bit of resistance in the cyclic so that you are aware that you are moving it.
Overall, doing a PPL(H) on the Cabri may end up costing less than the R22 even though the hourly rate might be higher. A number of instructors have mentioned to me that students take fewer hour to qualify in the Cabri. You yourself mentioned just how east it is to hold height and heading in the cruise.
You also mentioned a tendency to yaw left in the hover. Fenestron thrust is not directly proportional to pedal movement. I did 1,500 Robinson hours and it took me a little while to acquire the new muscle memory.
You soon get used to the trim and being more active on the pedals.
Cabri is the future.