As for ground handling, I can see those pesky carts on the taxi way and avoid them. Can't say that for a Dragon Tail RV-9 from North Carolina.

Forward visibility, is the reason my uncle, who spent a good part of his life in the U.S.Airforce just after WWII...............convinced me to finally go with the nose gear. He had spent much time with both; and since my RV wasn't designed as a bush plane.....

Eights do look best as tail draggers though...

L.Adamson --- RV6A