OK John, here are a couple thoughts:
Josh is right: Flying ANYthing is way up the coolness scale.
Re: Luscombe: I owned one for several years, liked the light controls, liked the relatively inexpensive ownership. Hated the seating, never could do a long XC for that reason. Some have C-150 seats, which are less bad. Most ragwing variants have a ~15gallon fuel tank right behind your head. NOT where I want to be sitting if things go badly. Kinda blind in turns and heavy traffic. Parts a bit scarce and spendy. If you ding one significantly, not economically repairable. (Steve Pierce, jump in, I think you've wrenched on some??). There were a lot of days I chose to sit watching the wind blow, when I'd have very comfortably flown a Supercub, a Champ, or heck, a C-172
My warped opinion, as much as I love cubs of all sorts, best bang-for-the-buck for someone getting started, a RENTED C-150 (OK, I hear the incoming
.....), then an OWNED Champ 7AC or maybe 7CC. Some decent values in Taylorcrafts just now, too. Cheapest net cost you can own these days (insurance being a big factor) is probably a clean, straight early C-172 straight-tail (EEYIKES!!!! more incoming....)
Also take into careful account the density altitude at which you plan to operate: This wipes out a whole bunch of otherwise interesting aeroplanes for me.
If you're interested in owning, just make sure to get a thorough pre-buy from a mechanic EXPERIENCED in maintaining the type you're interested in.
Just be realistic with yourself about what your personal flying goals and missions are, and you should do OK.
Best luck! cubscout