Backwing, for me personally, the best part of the written text in most ARF instruction booklets are actually outside the step-by-step building instructions. I like to read sections such as engine recommended, the flight trimming sections, and flying tips (for example, H9's 3D manuevre instructions for their Ultra Stiks are a classic). Some scale ARFs even include a historical description of the full-scale plane. Those are the kind of things the written word is difficult to replace.

I have put together enough ARFs that I don't much need to follow along the instructions any more. I find myself going over the manual and scanning for bits and pieces of information I need (firewall to prop hub distance, thrust angles/offsets, CG location, tank & radio placements, etc.), and then just start building. Besides, half of the time I am bashing/modifying ARFs, and so I am deviating from the written instructions anyway. I'm 1/3 into putting together a GP Giant Big Stik right now, and I've only opened the instructions a few times to look for specific info I needed.

I do agree that a good instruction manual should include precautions and added descriptions for tasks that may be tricky or confusing. One good example is the elevator bellcrank system that World Models likes to use in some of their mid-size ARFs. It is used to transfer control from a single servo to two elevator halves. WM's instructions are also notorious for having line drawings only, and this one was no exception. The line drawing for the bellcrank was very clear, but darn it, I had the roughest time trying to figure out how the get all the linkages installed in place in the correct sequence without the parts falling off all over the place.

Sorry to digress.