I've done 30knot plus cross wind landings in a Varieze with the recommended reduced rudder travel and plenty of rudder control. However, the wing lightly scraped the ground on one of them. Good luck with the project Scotty. I've flown both and the Long Eze is the most popular.
The Varieze is very weight limited depending on it's empty weight when built. Mine could take full fuel. one average weight pilot and a a small kid for passenger with no starter motor. The Long Eze addressed that with a bigger plane and engine.
To add, they are the easiest a/c I have ever flown, especially on landing. Because of the long strips in the USA they land them at 100 mph [statute] for better visibility. Another aircraft I am investigating is the humble Hummel Bird and it does around 100 kts on a half Volkswagen engine [converted]. Has no struts and as well quite low drag.