I think most people have developed habits when assembling an ARF to protect themselves. I always balance at the forward end of the published CG (even forward of that if the balance point seems funny). I'll move it little by little, later on. I replace hardware, I reinforce if I think necessary and check the plane carefully after each of the first five or so flights. After the plane has some time on it I check less often. I check the wing incidence and look for warps. I've had to correct things, sometimes lots of things (I too had an early Lanier). ARF's are better than they used to be but I still check. I personally think that as soon as the wheels are off the ground for the first time I can kiss goodbye the opportunity to return it. (On second thought, as soon as I fire up the engine, mounted on the plane.) The market will tend to eliminate those manufacturers or retailers that don't supply what the consumers are satisfied with. RC Universe provides a perfect place for us to exchange information. I, for some time, have been eyeing a Katana 140 from GSP. I've seem problems, people have provided workarounds, flying reports have been good. I'll probably order one.... from Chief, due to the complaints heard here and the fact that I've had good experiences with Chief. To a certain extent, we just need to be a little careful about what we buy and who we deal with. I agree that some manufacturers and retailers are responsible for problems, but the sad fact is that they won't generally be held to it. We vote with our money.