Sounds like you have a lot to think about. Wait until after you have taken the MSF to make up your mind, and be sure to sit on the bikes you are considering.
With respect to Joseph’s comment regarding a harder vs. a more dangerous learning curve, a bigger bike is going to be both. If you are having alot of trouble learning how to use the clutch in your MSF class, seriously consider going with a smaller bike. It will pay off in the long run.
I started with a Suzuki S40 (a 650 cruiser) and seriously considered after the first two weeks moving back to a smaller bike and throwing a sheet over my Thumper until I got the hang of riding. I didn’t do that in the end, but with the perfect clarity of hindsight, I would have done it differently the second time around….