Hi Jetflyer,
I see your point but I believe that there is a fine line between a customer's loyalty and his/her wallet! SM went long way to fill the gap but there are still many people for whom the cost cannot be justified or don't want an ARF. JetLegend are filling that, potentially huge gap. I think that it is good that they had the foresight to do that, I also believe there will be a greater influx of enthusiasts entering jet flying as a result. I've been flying jets for many years and the single most thing I have heard so many times that dissuades people from flying jets is cost. JetLegend have given more people access to this aspect of the hobby with aggressive pricing which in turn will force SM's hand. The outcome, with any luck will be more people flying jets and two good companies turning out quality products at competitive prices.
This means choice for the consumer - as such I would not have chosen to buy an F18 from SM simply 'cos i couldn't afford it!

You know, my friend Jim Fox used to have a saying:
'If you want to end up with a million pounds (£) running a modelling business, you'd better start of with two million!"