Forgive me, but I really do not understand why this simplest of ARFs has been turned into something not ARF at all?

First of all, the kit and hardware are good enough to put the plane toegether as is, exactly as described in the instructions book. I've seen many people do just that and very happy with the results.

Second, there has been tremendous feedback on this ARF from dozens of good people that related their experience. The modifications suggested (if any are necessary) boil down to:

Moving the servos to the rear to compensate for heavier engines
Using more powerfull engines (I've seen people using 1.20 2 and 4 cycle and even gas)
Beefing up the landing gear block - a little fiberglass will do
Beefing up the dowel hold-down blocks - a piece of ply behind it will work fine + epoxy

(I took the liberty to add some aluminum braces to the elevator/fin area as I am quite a bad pilot and my aerobatics put an extra stress on tha area)

With a YS 91, servos in the rear, tank on the CG and two 1200 batteries behind the servo tray, this plane balances exactly on the money - no lead necessary. It weights exactly 10.25 lbs.