OK, without seeing it I'm just making my comments based on what I've seen in the past.

Pre-built stuff always has defects (field boxes, ARF's, etc.). You're right about the starter and pump. I've had several brands of electric pumps and not one of them lasted a full season. And I do maintain them per the instructions (no leaving fuel in them).

The hardware that comes with ARF's is usually crap too. I usually discard most of it and replace it with better quality stuff. Anyway, I had a lot of the problems you're having back when I was getting started. Experience over the years has gotten me to the point where the only ongoing problem I have is with my piloting.