Mike,
Look at the bright side - at least with the ARF/ARC kits available it keeps people interested in pattern. IF ZNLine and PLProd were the only pattern kits around I think pattern would decline rapidly. Lee and others are just trying to produce what will sell. Hey, I bought a FOCUS II ARC and I'm quite happy with it, but I love to build and I'm looking forward to knocking out a couple of TEMPESTs. Unfortunately, I doubt we'll ever see any balsa/foam/CF type kits. There are still some good glass/foam kits around (PIEDMONT MODELS, PAC, AEROSLAVE and Lamar Blair's company).
You can also enlarge plans for designs, too. I've found several 3-views on Japanese web sites. A bit of work to enlarge, but quite acceptable!
-Will B.