The LHS or manufacturer (e.g. GP GSP) will of course send you that 'Dear Valued Customer' letter. They will not openly admit that there is a problem. A good example is the Global Raven, not flyable at all. Of course all ARFs are dodgy, some less than others. Its is mass produced. They are heavier than kits but then heck of a lot cheaper. From what I can tell you one of the best ARFs are HANGAR 9, Phoenix and The World Models. For me GP is not really value for money bearing in mind its made in China! Hangar 9 planes are better built than GP ones.

This hobby is about trial and error. What we can really do is to ask/enquire more before buying a plane! The forum and other hobbyist will be more than ready to give some feedback. I learnt it the hard way with nitro cars and also a little bit when I started back into planes (I bought the Black Horse Sukhoi 40 and the Global Raven 40, both are not nice planes to fly at all). If I had been patient and not duped by looks I would have not wasted my money on those 2 planes!

If anyone wants an ARF that is 100% proven then go for Kyosho and EZ, you will never go wring with them but you will pay a premium.