I think it would be a good idea for RC clubs across the country to mandate that new joins will build their first airplane from a kit or from plans, of ARF's allowed as first airplane. Now I don't expect this will get alot of play from people as it would probably have the adverse affect of limiting the number of new recruits to the sport of RC flying.
How many times have you seen a new guy join your club with the latest ARF only to go out and dork it within a week of soloing? He then comes back with a cobbled up heap of wood and covering that can barely hold itself together on the ground let alone in the sky. This new guy knows nothing about repairing broken airplanes because he doesn't understand how they are put together. The new guy also is careless with his new airplane because he has very little time and heart in building it.
I don't have a problem with ARF's in general, I own a couple of them, but I have also put in my time building airplanes from sticks also. What I see more often now is this new generation of RC pilot that has little regard for his plane or airplanes around him because he hasn't put in the time and heart required to build from a kit. This "throw it away, I'll get another one" mindset is in my opinion bad for the sport.
So there it is.....I tossed it out there, I'd like to hear what some of you fellas think.