Back in the day, kits or scratch built is all there was, and it was a HOBBY that required effort and commitment from the modeler to be successful.  The early arfs were heavy plastic monstrosities that were lucky to get off the ground.  Today's arfs are exceptional in quality, performance and value and I can't blame people for buying them.  That being said, I still prefer kits because I believe it makes the difference between being a hobby or just being "toys".  Every time my plane leaves the ground, I am risking my own time and effort, not just something I bought.  Hobby shops have become another version of "toy stores" because that's what sells these days.