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Don't get a GL1. You will either be disappointed from the start or will master the camera and be ready for something better very quickly. I don't know what type of experience you had with a GL1, but they're basically equivalent to the VX1000: old, outdated, outperformanced.
A GL2 isn't bad. People will say its too old or bad or whatever, but if you want to learn about manual features and such, its a nice camera to start with. However, its in a funky zone where you're paying a bit much for something that is a "starter" cam. I think that if you want to learn how to use basic manual features, go with something cheaper, like the Panasonic GS500. I used that last year and it has manual iris, white balance, and shutter, as well as a manual focus ring. It puts out good quality too.
If you're looking for quality, get an HV30. Hands down. Those things put out the crisp-est video I have ever seen for a camera of that size/price. It is unbelievable. True, they lack some of the manual features that you might find on a GL2, but it will be easier to use and put out better quality video.
