glowplug, I don't think Minn is blasting ARF's. His first sentence said
"The one thing I would like to add, is to get an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly version) only if you're anxious to fly right away. "
I do agree that ARF or kit, the quality is what's been put in it. I've seen some mobile homes that were built better than custom built homes, but as with mobile homes, an assembly line ARF is probably not going to have the same attention to detail that a good builder will put into one. I fly 70% kit built planes, but if you're not into building, by all means get an ARF. I think Minn is simply showing the other side of the hobby that alot of us enjoy and take pride in.
Many of my planes, while they aren't show quality are built for and sold to people to hang in their kids' rooms for display. I don't know anyone who would buy an ARF for display.

JMHO