Well put Easytiger but I have to be more blunt.

While most manufacturers have gone to ARF's to stay in business (notice how many main stay kit mfgrs' are now gone!!!) in an effort to provide today's "consumer" RC'er with instant expert products, a monster has been created. That monster is the crybaby who plunks down his plastic, expects a TOC capable airplane, ignores the designers recommendations because he knows more than they do, blows the thing up then rolls out the WalMart return policy attitude. When denied, the wailing starts on the internet.

I agree a manufacturer needs to produce a solid, well built ARF but they cannot make one that is bullet nor idiot proof then sell it for the pittance people want to pay. Numerous posts on RCU contain the statement, "You can't build one for that price"! That is beginning to change, If you look at newer ARF's hitting the market, take notice of the elevated prices. Manufacturers are beginning to compensate themselves for all the free parts and planes they have to pacify the whiners with. Already several aquaintences are carping about the "expensive" price on Hangar 9's two newest ARF's, the 80" Cap 232 and 33% Sukhoi. Some turned purple with rage when told H9's next big ARF may be a 44% Ultimate Bipe at $1995.00!

I have personal knowledge of several modelers who experienced defective ARF's. When they presented their issue and the remains to the manufacturer (including Cermark), and it was determined to be a defect, the plane was immediately replaced at no cost (some even received replacement/repair costs for damaged radio and engines).

Responsible manufacturers want to provide the best, and safest, product they can at a reasonable cost. Those who don't will not survive in the marketplace.

Responsible modelers understand the (fading) bargain a nicely done ARF represents and take responsibility for their deviations from manufacturers recommendations.

The rest are spoiling it for every one.