Jason,
You said the following:
I like the Giant Leap Firestorm 54, but the altitude that thing can hit worries me.
With that in mind I might ask, Why are you in such a rush to get to Level 2 certification?" I suggest building a good solid rocket which will be good for level 1 certification and then build a couple more level 1 rockets so that you are confident you understand HPR building techniques. I dont think a person can understand how to properly build a rocket capable of handling the thrust and G-forces of a J350, J420, 6-grain Pro38 or other popular level 2 certification motors unless they have progressed up to it through the increasingly powerful H and I motors.
While there are many rockets that are "capable" of flying level 1 and level 2 range impulse motors, think for a few minutes about your goals in HPR? Why not take it at a pace where you can prove to yourself that HPR is really for you? Be assured, if you want a level 2 capable rocket that doesn't go very high, it will need to be pretty big. If you jump into HPR building a pretty big rocket without the experience of building and flying < ~5 lb. rockets, you're cheating yourself. I don't intend to tell you what to do, but I think it makes more sense to build your Level 1 rocket to perform well and to learn HPR building techniques. And then practice those techniques on a few more level 1 type rockets. When you get to where your nerves can stand high altitude flights or you naturally progress to building a bigger rocket; then do the Level 2. Youre planning on building more that one HPR rocket anyway, right?
With your desire to limit sanding and fiberglass work, the PML kits are a good idea. It takes less of those skills to get good results with PML Quantum Tubes and G-10. Be sure you follow PMLs instructions about roughing-up the tube and fin surfaces to get good adhesion. Also, a 4 rocket like the Tethys is a good choice because there are fewer tight spaces to work in than the 2.1 or 3 birds. A stock Tethys would be a nice Level 1 certification rocket.
You can also use the Tethys as a basis for growth. I used mine for my first dual deployment flight and my Level 2 with added electronics bay and payload. It was up to 6 tall and 8 1/2 pounds by that time, though, which was a good size for Level 2. See my Tethys info at
https://members.cox.net/rocketry/cert2.html. To add a payload section, simply purchase an extra chunk of 4" QT and a coupler assembly to extend the rocket. To add electronics, you can design your own electronics bay or purchase a "Paper Phenolic Avionics Bay" kit from Giant Leap.
I see youre in the Okla. City area. If youre up for a road trip, come on up and check-out KloudBurst 14 this Saturday and Sunday at Argonia, KS, which would be about 2 1/2 hours drive for you (see
https://www.kloudbusters.org).
Good luck on your quest, --Lance.