Well, it's not just the empennage that causes problems. The wings were orignially designed with heavy wing spars and 11 ribs to re-inforce the stability of the wing.
However, "the most significant production changes noted by one design engineer were the use of light sheet metal aluminum stock for the wing spar and the reduction of 11 to only 4 ribs in each wing." - Aviation Safety Magazine, Vol. XVI, Number 20, October 15, 1996.
NASA and Piper engineers concluded that a "stiffer" wing was required to prevent variations in lift and drag during spin and stall maneuvers. However, somewhere between design and production - the wing spar material was changed from a more sturdy metal material to a thinner material and the 7 wing ribs removed - giving the wing a little too much flex.
According to that same article, "Using accident statistics from NTSB'S own database, it is obvious that the Tomahawks' stall/spin accident rate is 20 times greater than comparable aircraft."
Those are the facts, man. Whether you agree with `em or not.
That being said - I do agree with you regarding the roominess and the visabilty! I REALLY dig being able to see pretty much all the way around!!
And as - for maneuverability - it's comparable to a 150/152 - if not better.
Basically - as in any case - if you stay AHEAD of the aircraft, you should not have a problem.
I don't hate the T-bird at all. But knowing what I know now about it's characteristics - it DOES tend to keep me more on my toes.
R2F