If you build a 7 taildragger, try to keep all the weight you can forward. My self painted 7 empty weight is 1123 with a 81.25 arm. I have a IO 360 and a Hartzell CS prop. I have some fat in the luggage compartment like the Classic Aero "Experimental" sign and the Tonnaeu cover (about 3.5 lbs). I could change out the tailwheel for a lightweight tailwheel for a little help. Electric trim adds weight to the tail but I'm not giving that up! My panel is all glass and probably very light compared to steam. I didn't weight before paint but I tried to keep it the paint light. If my wife and I fly somewhere with 100 lbs baggage and burn more than 22 gal of gas, this puts us out of GC envelope. We have eased this problem by putting heavy things forward and small heavy things in front with us. 100 lbs is a lot of stuff but with tools, tie downs, and extra oil, it adds up pretty quick. Loaded weight has never been an issue. My wife and I weigh 300 lbs together. If I could mount my ELT somewhere forward, it would help a lot but I have it mounted behind the baggage bulkhead....Anyway, what I'm trying to stress is, it takes a lot of effort to fix a tail heavy airplane but a nose heavy plane is easy to fix with a little added weight on the tail.
I love my 7 and wouldn't change my decision because I want to do aerobatics and I like the short wingspan and its really all I'll ever need. And I am a cheapskate who benefited on all the experience the builders on this site had to offer with the 7. ......But, I looked at those 2- 14's at the Petit Jean Flyin and I'm going to tell you, the 14 is one good lookin bird! The builder told me he is getting the same cruise speeds as I am burning 1 gph more than my 7 with his IO-390. The one thing I really liked about it is the seats sit higher which gets your head higher in the taller canopy so the vision must be great! I do love my slider and I'm pretty sure they do not offer that with the 14. The 14 will be an easier and quicker build but at a higher cost.
All and all, I'm glad I don't have to make that decision! But, I will tell you, your gonna be happy either way!