Like the OP I operate some pretty sophisticated kit, both fixed and rotary wing.
I have an LAA single seat rag and stick aeroplane for the joy of it and have recently bought a six seat go places machine.
I would love something like ChampChump's Aeronca, but have never been quick enough out of the blocks when one comes up for sale. (Also the current Lady Dementia would have apoplexy if I bought another aeroplane)
Have you tried a SkyRanger? A colleague bought one for exactly the same reasons as the OP gives, he (the colleague) is besotted with it, and I don't blame him. The shortfield ability is fantastic, the price is reasonable for a young bloke with young family, the handling is not brilliant, but I do covet the thing.
It is a bit of a compromise in most areas, but great fun for just bimbling. His current ambition is to visit every strip in Lockyears.
SND