Rubber bands only make sure the bottom wings dowel stay in fuselage. The only problem is in time you have to replace them. I keep My VK DR1 assembled all the time so I have to make sure they are not rotted a couple of times a year. The plus is if you tumble it, the wings pop out hopefully saving them from major damage. A minor problem with the RBs is getting your fingers in there.
I'm building the DR-1 right now would elastic cord work as a substitute for rubber bands? The bands seem to be the weak link to holding the lower wings on.