Ouch! I didn't get the RTF, I bought the Superstar 40 ARF and it only took me 14 hours to put it together and make it flight worthy.
I bought it at a store and not online though so I could look at it and make sure it was ok, the covering is wonderful on mine and everything works the way it's supposed to, haven't had a chance to fly it yet, just got it last monday, hopefully I'll have good enough weather to fly it on New Years day.

I think you just got one of the few bad ones. Everyone else I've talked to about the Superstar say it's the best trainer out there.

Here's wishing you and yours a great New Year