Kit or ARF is more of a personnal opinion...

Fact is that when the costs of glue covering fuel tank and minimum tools needed for construction of a kit are factored in to the initial cost a Kit usually costs MORE not less then an ARF..

I'm not telling you not to get a kit just want to point this out..

Beginner airplane kits serve two purposes they are easy to construct with (usually) execellent step by step instructions and easy to fly...

IMHO I'd go with the kit.

as far as ARF having less emotional value in the event of a crash being a factor..

If you do not already know this Crashing airplanes is a part of this hobby. Nobody is crazy about but it does happen..

If you realize this and only fly what you can afford (emotionally as well as finanically) you'll have less of a problem and enjory yourself

If on the other hand losing a 200.00 plane will freak you out then I would suggest finding a different leisure time activity