I thought the original post had been answered.... it depends on who is asking and how they ask.

So... if ARFs are not failing everywhere, how is it that most have witnessed them failing and many can post pictures to prove it?

I recently horse-traded for an ARF Pitts (couldn't resist the pretty little beast, and I convinced myself ARFs must had improved). The D*mn firewall nearly fell off in my hands while casually flipping the prop!!! [:@][:'(]

It's repaired now along with a few other frailities I came across after a closer inspection. They were a hazard last time I dabbled, and remain a hazard. I'm off to the worksop to finish my Pica Waco.[8D]