Here is the way I look at radios. When you start off learning to fly, any name transmitter will do. Your learning to fly( you are playing catchup to control your plane) so until you actually can put your plane where you want it, what does it matter. Did you know that if you switch to digital servos, you can smoothen and get more precise to improve your skills without even buying a new radio.
There are many SIG(special interest groups) and that determines what type and number of channels you need to step up for your next radio. As far as maintenance concerns, pick a company that you think will be around years from now.
Radios play only a small part in improving your flying skills, it's really your pick or design of the plane and your timing.