Ron, you must be that one person at the AMA field, sitting on the bench, criticizing each and every plane that arrives, condoning their equipment, vehicle, and persona. 
     You know, I used to dial a phone that had this circular wheel I rotated with my little finger and was even tethered to the wall by cord.   I have stolen tin foil from the pantry to wrap around the rabbit ears to try and get a decent tv signal from one of the 3 stations broadcasting at that time. I changed points and condensor in the distributor of my first car.  We stayed relatively cool when the swamp cooler was running and the water hose didn't spring a leak. 
      Things change and mostly things change for the better or if not, said changes typically wither away.  There are times I spend 40 or 60 hours on the detailing of an ARF project.  I have spent weeks recovering, soaking fuselages from oil saturation to try and get coating to bond, sat with Q tips and dust brushes cleaning planes.  Are they anything less than a stick kit?  I don't think so.  I enjoy cell phones, Fios TV, Electronic Ignition and REALLY appreciate central air conditioning here in Texas.  And I truly admire the expedition of this hobby that an ARF provides that in which we all love and enjoy so much, FLYING.  
Oh yes, while you are sitting at that field, shriveled up and seething in your own self adoration, they have this new invention call a toilet with tanks with water in them these days.  You don't have to sneak out behind the trees and use leaves to finish the chore.