You will occassionally run into issues like this with a RTF, but I don't think they're the norm. Just the once in awhile mistake in assembly. That is why it is so important to go over everything & check for proper alignment of pushrods, & the connectors at the control surfaces as well as removing screws & replacing with locktite escpecially the engine & engine mount.. Installing some foam arounf the fuel tank so it's not just hanging there by the lip seal waiting to get bounced around & bubble up your fuel which could lead to much Deadstick practice. I know the box usually says something like ready to fly in 20 minutes of assembly time or something to that effect. In reality if you actually do try to take to the skies with it after only investing 20 minutes of your time for final assembly, odds are you won't have a ready to fly, but a ready to crash! I spent the whole afternoon going over my RTF NexStar in final assembly. My issues weren't as exreme as yours, mostly just surface alignment type things. Using the holes they told me to would not provide neutral control surfaces with the trim tabs at center. It's worth an afternoon of your time to make sure everything is right. I'm glad I did, because it got me soloed & has flown like a dream ever since. I'm glad you were able to get the kinks worked out of yours too. Good luck in your Training.