The S52A I got, I ordered it with a remote needle.  For me, the price was great, and the remote needle was what the clinched the deal.  I'm not that keen putting my fat fingers so close to a screaming prop I can't see! 

my application (airboat) is a lot more forgiving when it comes to power.  My boat will not drop out of the sky if the engine is under powered

With 2 kids under 5, on a single income, my hobby budget is a lot lower than I'd like.  So, The ASP hopefully give me the output I need, for the price I can afford.  There will always be a market for the higher priced kit, just as there will always be a market for a budget option.  I'm glad that the budget kit is improving in performance and quality.