If you liked the V-Rex, you might consider a
Rocket, which handles very much like the 'Rex. The Rocket has dual-20" wheels and costs a LOT less at $995. Twenty-inch wheels are incredibly strong. But, as with the 'Rex, it's harder to learn than a CF (Crank Forward) so the Good Wife might not take to it.
If you think bents take more body english to ride than an upright, you didn't relax enough and that's one reason why you had a hard time. Bents are balanced mostly by steering since the torso is pretty much plopped immobile in the seat. Tensing or trying to move your upper body to balance just makes things worse. To ride a bent, sit back in the seat, take a deep breath or two, relax, and push off.