Who writes the instructions for ARFs ? I think every ARF I have ever assembled had instructions with a poor sequence for the assembly steps. Are the instructions tested before the product is released ? The answer is probably yes. They will work and to redo them would be too expensive. I suspect the instructions document is a copy and paste from a previous ARF so the format is carried forward.

For example, I am putting a H9 P40 (my second) together. The first thing I am supposed to do is join the wing panels. I would never do that first. If I do, then I have to wrestle the entire wing on the bench while I:

Hinge ailerons
Add aileron control horns
Setup aileron servo pushrods
Prepare retracts
Add retract covers and wheel wells
Add main gear wheels

If I do all the above before joining the wing halves, it is a LOT easier. Also, there will also be less assembly rash.

I could go on with the remaining poor step sequence that makes assembly more difficult but you get the point.