You ask some good questions. The LT-40 is a great trainer and is one of popular trainers out there. As for price, I think often times an ARF is slightly cheaper in the long run, though I have never bought one. As for crash damage, they come in all kinds. I have seen planes cartwheel down the runway with very little damage. If you nose dive in from 300 ft under full power, usually you end up with a bunch of toothpick sized pieces. All depends.