I also believe that people should learn to build a kit as it does make you feel like you have really done something worth while. At the same time I think the ARF's are a must in this day and age, but they sure don't do much for learning the whole hobby and puffing up your chest because you ASSEMBLED it.
In the last 3 mo. I have had a number of students / people that had NO idea how to repair their plane when they had damage and some of it was so minor I couldn't believe it. I think as I get older that this is something that rubs me wrong that people haven't learned the basic's.
Now if you want to fly and you want to build also, maybe the suggestion to get an ARF and a kit wasn't so bad and the suggestion about the Midwest Aero Star might also fit. Midwest still has the Aerostar kits and they also sell it as an ARF so you can get the best of both worlds. What ever you do be sure to get assistance and ---- ENJOY !!! RED