You will learn more about flying from the smaller engine aircraft.
There are a couple of instructors that have posted about this, myself and Bob Turner. Saying a j-3 is 'just boring holes in the sky' is a statement from an individual that has never worked the plane to the edge. (you think a 172 or such is any better????)
Not having the power to just pull you out when desired, learning 'energy management' as was said before, is very important.
Yes, many people fly for years with big power aircraft and never have troubles, but take a close look at the very good pilots, and ask them what really taught them to fly.
There is more than throttle up, stick back... flaps down power off brakes...
Learning directional control on the ground, (a high hp cub will take off across most runways), learning energy management, learning to use the wind in your favor, or to use the cool of the water to descend... or heat of the blacktop to help lift....
you don't get the subtly in a 180 hp. super cub.
Why does Jason do so well in a 135 hp cub in Concrete?
Economics, and prices have shown that the small engine planes have held their value. The top end cubs seem to be expensive, but the mid level planes, and big engine birds (twins... 206's) have lost lots of value. We don't see much in the way of 150k cubs now, but that is a good thing I think.
Ask yourself, do you want to get your license and fly, or do you want to LEARN how to REALLY Fly?
If you are satisfied with being safe and able to fly a cub, buy the yuppy 180 hp with bells and whistles.
If you want to really know what is happening and what will happen with complete understanding and really know your aircraft, buy a low powered tailwheel trainer and fly it hard.
Your choice. Everything has it's costs, and rewards. You make the choice for yourself.
To help you understand more, why not go visit Bob Turner and rent he and his J-3 for some lessons... feeling it will mean more than reading all these posts.