Sounds like you're working similar stock to myself... With that in mind, I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the L-N #5 1/2, adding a couple of spare blades (honed to different radii) and a high angle frog to the shopping list. It has enough mass to handle fast stock removal with authority (backing up behind a scrub plane for instance), it's long enough to start the jointing process in long stock, just about light enough to use for long periods without causing excessive fatigue, and when re-tuned, can work as delicately as you like on most of the more stubborn grains you'll encounter. Additionally, if this is the first of a few bench planes you have in mind, the frogs, blades and chip-breakers are interchangable with the #4 1/2, #6 and #7.
I tend to work my stock from rough sawn boards to dimensioned stock entirely by hand; the #5 1/2 seems to get the most "hands on" time... really versatile tool... joy to work with