i don't think that kit building is actually on the decline,i don't see many choices in the hobby shops.i went looking for kits at the two main HS we have here and they had the same kits they have had for the last year or two,less what was sold.i asked the owner why he doesn't stock as many kits he says oh i can order them,then the kits i ask to be ordered he says that one is not available anymore.everything else in there was an arf.don't get me wrong arf's have their place in this Hobie,one person said he puts them together in between builds.i don't see any arc's in my Hobie shops either.so you are basically stuck with something made on an assembly line and unless you want to strip the covering and redo it you are forced into flying what advertisement or color scheme they have at the time.i enjoy building as much as flying,i get my family involved with this hobby is one reason it is fun for me.and people say i don't have the time,an hour or so every couple days is the best therapy.i know not every one has the temperament for building but try to build just one kit before you say i cant or don't have the time you will be rewarded.