i just came across this thread (i spend way too much time in the engine conversions foum) and i would like to chime in.
I honestly dont think that kit building is making that much (if at all) of a comeback. Its good to see some planes out there with some character. Ive noticed that the arfs are very similar from mfg to mfg in color schemes, making the flight line look kinda bland. Part of my highlites of going to the field is possibly seeing a freshly built plane waiting for its maiden flight. I also have my "favorites" that i like seeing at the field too. I find that the main excuse for arfs is lack of time, when around here we have a full winter to build. I think that the few kit builders out there are the few "purists" left, that are keeping the tradition of this hobby alive.
things like laser cutting and interlocking balsa kits are making it seem less intimidating for a beginner builder, which is a good thing, but this also saddens me. it is nice from time to time to have most of the work already done, but i personally like building a stick built structure, with minimal preshaped/precut parts. haveing the leading edge stock, wing ribs and some formers precut i think is manditory, but for the rest, i dont mind busting out the good ol' razor saw, modeling knife and of course....sand paper.
maybe the general amount of new modelers are too impatient to just spend a nice evening working on a plane. i find it very relaxing, and it helps unload the stress from the day/ workweek. when i get frusterated with a step, i take a break and clear my mind of that. it keeps this part of the hobby fun...which is why i do this in the first place