ORIGINAL: blw
Kits with foam cores are still kits. My last one had foam core wings, stab, and fin. Still a lot of work to do, and after flying it a lot I believe that it takes more stresses than built up parts.
I can tell you, you are right. A lot of modelers think foam core wings and fiberglass fuse is an ARF,.......... NOT! There is just as much building, as in a stick built model, its just different building skills. I like both, but prefer glass & foam.