I have to agree that composites are better and worse in a lot of ways, but I've got to say I'll lean towards composite. I have 2 Compy's right now, the 2.3Extra 330 (blue/red scheme) and the 3M Extra 260 (yellow Kiwi scheme).
The 2.3M started out on a DA50 on the MTW can and it was just fine. Forget about anything resembling 3D though unless you use a pipe. It now has an older 3W70US that has been converted to a DA ignition and it's a mini missle and easily handles the IMAC intermediate sequence and could probably do the higher classes as well. Guys are using the ES Composite pipe on this plane with a Da50 and loving life. In my opinion a DA50/can combo will fly this plane well but you will be close to full throttle most of the time when using the canister. Add the pipe and now you are still at 19lbs but way more power.
The 2.3 is my toss in the truck and hit the field plane, i.e. great lunchtime plane as it goes together quite quickly. It also helped me win a few first places last year in IMAC. Once trimmed it basically flew the sequences with very little correction from me other than for wind. I'm betting the 3M 260 will be the same.
BTW, the 2.3M is going on 3 yrs now and other than a few little dings from me mishandling it it still looks good. I used the tape they give you on the seams and they are really not noticable
Now I do own wood as well. I have a Carden 40% Cap that I have yet to fly but I'm betting on this thing is gonna be a blast. I have the 33% WH Edge that is a total blast to abuse
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I also have the new H9 Sukhoi on the table as we speak and it looks promising. I've flow/owned the little GP Performace series Cap232 and the Ultimate and I must say they flew very well though much more work on the covering than my Compy's
All I am saying is get the plane that you want that fits the job at hand and your budget as well. See if someone will let you have some stick time on something you are considering, if at all possible