NEGuest
The original requirement you mapped out pretty much matched my requirements when I was trying to decide between the two. But additionally, portability was one of my main factors in reaching a final decision. No one has mentioned one of the features that was designed into the VariEze Vs Long-Ez – portability.
At the time, (turned out to be true for me) I thought it would be important to be able to do maintenance in the comfort and proximity of my garage and still easily transport the plane to the airport. For the first couple of years I had a 15’ enclosed trailer for transport and airport hanger. When I had a project, I’d haul it home to my garage. On my own, I could take the wings and canard off and roll it into the trailer in 30-40 minutes, ten minutes less when off loading. That worked fine until I finally figured out that a VariEze easily fits (without removing the wings or canard) into half sized hanger. The half T hangers go for less than half the price of a full size one in my area. Sold the trailer (= new eznoselift and electrical system) and plan to rent a trailer when I want to bring it home.
By the way the T.E. fences were very effective on my plane. I’ve enjoyed making lots of other mods that help with comfort, operation and systems.
Not much I can add about the wing attach corrosion, since mine has glider type attach system.
I find the sitting arrangement one of the most comfortable of any aircraft I’ve flown (6’2’’ 185#), but have no interest in spending more than 5-hrs in the seat of any plane, no matter how comfortable.
Like you, I find that I fly 80% of the time solo, so the back seat provides enough baggage space (including golf clubs) for my needs.
To date I have about 125hrs, 120 flights and 150 landings. I’ve loved every minute of it, the best bang for the buck (fun and economic) that I have found. Can’t think of any spam can that I’ve owned or flown that is such a joy.