Here in my area just this last month had one of our LHS close, not enough business to make a living. We now only have two LHS left. One is more into helicopters and boats. The other one has been around a long time and is basically a mail order store. His cost plus state sales tax about the same as tower and shipping. He's made a pretty good living for the past 15-20 years and out lasted several others who have come and gone. FRom what I see the day of the Nitros is past. Most here are either small electric or the large gas. At $18 a gallion for nitro vs. $3.50 gas makes up the difference in the cost of the largers ARFs vs. the smaller you built it nitros . In my opinion the quality of kits today is far superior to what they were 20-30- years ago. I personally perfer to built as to me that is what the sport or hobby is all about. Secondly, when I crash, I know how to put the pieces back together. I agree though, there are plenty of kits available if you just look. Thirdly, I like to point to pride I built it!!