If you have the time and the money to support the initial cost of building tools go for it
I agree with that too...I did...but many beginners will not make the investment. I think your opinion is from the perspective of someone who has been at it for a while. Indeed I CAN build a better quality plane from a kit than the usual cookie cutter ARF. But keep in mind...
Is is possible that when all things are done and said you will spend less on a AFR plane verse a kit build. I am talking about gas tanks, motors, covering etc.
If this is the case I can see me doing a ARF verse a Kit just to save the cash
...when a beginner knows nothing of the hobby, he might not be armed with enough info to make the best choice. Unfortunately...finances are a guiding force when people enter the hobby. Noone wants to spend what turns out to be a sizeable investment, on a hobby they may or may not stay with.
Besides...what you save today on that ARF vs the "kit" might buy you some needed field equipment...from a beginners point of view, that might be the better option.