Thanks everyone for the replies, the shadows are not as dark
Vance,
Originally the plan was to fly as many types as I could, but after educating myself about the different models I was able to narrow the list down quite a bit. This may not be the best thought . . . there is a theory that you are happiest when you don't know what you're missing. I'm leery of exposing myself to everything and getting the dreaded "paralysis through analysis" Shopping is fun, flying is funner.
And yes, I'm on the heavy side. Personally, I don't think I'm heavy. . . but the scale says otherwise.
I did some reading regarding some comments that several of you mentioned about Euro specs and US specs. It's looking like that's where the variety of contradictory info is coming from. I was not aware that an EAB kit could be registered/certified for a different "max" gross weight. For example, a CubCrafters EX-3 allows the builder to certify that plane at 1320 pounds (LSA) or its max gross weight of 2000 pounds. The airplane builds exactly the same way, the builder chooses which of the two to operate under. The factory sets the max gross weight (at least that's my understanding).
I also suspect that the Kilo to pound translation is not being done correctly. Some of the math doesn't work in a few instances.
I believe I'm fortunate to have Craig McPherson, who has been incredibly kind with the phone calls, and Dayton Dabs within 3-4 hours of me. The current plan is to get an hour or so in an AutoGyro MTO and then some more time in a Cavalon. Then I want some hours in a Magni MT24. A big part of this decision is understanding max weight because I seldom fly alone. My choice could come down to which craft has the better useful load.
-Lee