Hi Pendraegon...
Yes it probably costs a bit more to kit build and it will definitely take more time to get airborn. In the picture below you will see a set of tail feathers for my GP Ultimate 40 biplane that I started yesterday. 56 pieces total that had to be cut, trimmed, sanded and glued. (only 4 pcs were die cut). A full days work for me. I have built and completed ARFs in the same amount of time. I am hoping to maiden this plane by Christmas!!! Why do I spend this much time building when I can buy a comparable ARF and have it in the air in less than a week? 1- I think I can build a stronger airplane than an ARF version, 2- I can modify any part of the plane that I want to make it more compatible with my flying style (within reason). 3- I can cover it in any combination of colors I choose to make it different than the same plane that someone else at my field may be flying. and 4- (most important to me) As already mentioned above there is a sense of accomplishment that can't be measured when you see it in the air for the first time and know that you built it from a box full of lumber and you made it FLY !!!! I have built several kit planes and it always feels the same way after a good maiden flight -----YEEEEeeeeHAAAaaa !!!!!!

Dale Jenkins
Southern Eagle Squadron
Leesburg FL.