I dunno but since the local hobby shop/kit paradise closed it seems kits are harder to find than ARF's.

Then kits cost as much or sometime more than an ARF which makes no sense at all. Why should a box of pre-cut wood with instructions, and plans cost as much or even nearly as much as a assembled, covered aircraft?

It doesn't matter if you have to refinish the ARF. By the time your done it's still cheaper than a kit.

A good example...

Skyshark FW-190 kit $289.95 for a .60 size aircraft
CMP FW-190 ARF $157.00 + S&H for a 90 size aircraft

Now don't get me wrong I build and I have a Skyshark Stuka partially built they're mighty fine kits. The problem is the majority would simply rather pay less and get a decent ARF than pay twice as much for a fine kit.