Guess that depends on how much you value the relaxation that a lot of us get from glueing our fingers to various tiny parts and bits of balsa. I used to be one of those 'slap it together and get it in the air' bunch. Now, i've learned that I get more of a kick out of building something that really shows some craftsmanship, well, at least my attempt at it. Who hasn't looked closely at a very well built plane, either kit or scratch, and not come away impressed. I know a lot of guys who I really admire who many times have others fly their planes for them, simply because they're afraid they're going to crash it because of their lack of flying skills.

I really do hope that as the laser and other technologies advance, that it will be possible to re-issue a lot of the old kits on an as ordered basis.
I've even gone so far as to call some of the manufacturers of the arfs just to offer close to the same $$$ amount for a 'wood only' kit. So far, i've gotten no luck! Hopefully, when Cox comes out with their WACO later this year, they'll make a kit of it available.

and as far as the best buy on the arf or the kit... i'll take the kit any day!

quietly chewing the glue off my fingers,
mcmike