you speak of models that are "stand off" scale so they're not use to being under close scrutiny. but that's not that bad... you should see some of the adverts here in taiwan. when they say scale, i click in to find pattern ships no where close to a real plane. some of the ARFs being advertise as extras are merely ugly sticks with a different cowl. even world models, has a range of aircombat planes that are really just low wing trainers they've put different cowls and covering on with no resemblance to the real plane. is it annoying? not really. i take them for what they are, fun scale. i just feel sad for those people that buy them thinking that it's "scale" its only those of use with some realy interest in aviation that know what the actual plane looks like.

in regards to ARFS, while the quality of an ARF cannot compare with the quality of a high grade kit and experienced building, it does surpass that of a new builder. i remember my first kit over 20 years ago. i was just a kid then. that plane was held together with more tape than glue. needless to say, it didn't pass the FAA exams (my parents) and thus never got to buying the engine or radio. 15 years ago, i built a pattern ship and that also came out 1 lbs heavy and required liberal trim to get it to fly straight. it crashed as a result of my inexperience. without the time (or motivation) to repair the plane, it sat idle until i moved and gave it away.

when i picked up the hobby again 5 years ago, i was putting in 15-16 hour days. in fact, it was the 15-16 hour days that got me so burned out, i decided i needed a hobby. i bought my first ARF, a china-made trainer, and i haven't looked back since. i just don't have the time and space to build a kit. my ARF's were built in the living room of my 500 sq.ft flat.