I have to agree with the "My plane looks like all the other planes at the field" argument. I have both ARF's and kit built planes and when flying at the dirt lot where my father and I fly, I generally bring an ARF.
At Sepulveda Basin, however, I bring something kit built.
Paid off with a couple of free kits one day since I was the only one flying a kit plane as opposed to the 4 Right Flyer 40's, 2 WM T-34's, 3 US 60's, etc.
I was refueling my Tower Hobbies Kaos at the time. I miss that plane.
Dude was walking the flight line, stopped at my pit and offered me a partially built Super Sportster 20 and a virgin Flash somethingorother glider kit.

Building my second Tower Kaos right now. Have a mostly built Morris Hobbies Penknife on the side but the engine got backordered.
I think kits are making a comeback.
My BTE Venture should arrive sometime this week...