My 'day' job is teaching people to fly in a PA28. Our microlight school had until recently been strictly flexwing. I had a ride in one but thought I'd never, after 35 years and at my advancing years ever master the differences. Recently they bought a C42. I had a go and was hooked! I now fly it just for fun, even at the end of a day in the PA28, for relaxation. As you say, the controls are all in different places but it only took me one ride to get used to them (though selecting flap is still not as smooth as I'd like). I'd say it's more of a challenge to land well but feels really safe. If you can find a C42 group to join, go for it!
However, one note of caution. Probably, like me, you've no qualms about IMC. Today, we went from few at 900' and otherwise blue sky to overcast at 900' whilst we were out in the PA28. Not a problem, just let down IMC. This would be a potential disaster in the C42.