I agree 100% about the Gladius, it'a a good thing buy back tokens are just around the corner.I would go for the Gladius: One S3 gun less, almost half the price, more agile, less hitting surface (smaller cross section). In 3.1 it is more about shooting and hitting then flying. Being smaller and more agile helps evading incoming fire.
They are really best bang for the buck. I heard that they feel plastic, they lack a few buttons on the stick. I probably would break them during fight so I use the heavier version.
I never met somebody from UEE, but it helps during flight.
The Thrustmasters feel plastic alright, they are good to start with, also $120 for both, but I will definitely upgrade later.