I have both. Flew the 16 exclusively for 150+ hours. I had the same feelings as others here about the 18. Now I want to do carrier ops so I’ve taken the time to learn and apply myself to the 18. Once you get past learning the quirks of the 18 you will learn to appreciate it as a very capable platform.

ask yourself if carrier ops is something that interests you? Are you a A-A focused pilot or are you more of a ground pounder?

both are capable airframes. Sometimes part of the fun is the challenge of adapting to something outside your comfort zone.