Mike, I agree with you. The overall quality of the kit is more important than just one facet. But I would bet that if the instruction book is great, the hardware is great and the quality of wood is great, chances are that the die cutting will also be great. When I think of the newcomer, I feel that probably the most important thing is the construction manuel. Sig probably deserves the credit for beginning the superb instructions we see in so many kits today. But I would worry about a newcomer who ran into a kit, even with great instructions, who had to fight with pieces of balsa that just wouldn't fit because of poor diecutting or sloppy machine cutting. Chances are he/she wouldn't be back to build again, but turn instead to the ARF's.