Others can say what they want against CMP - but I notice that they also didn't attempt to answer your question, probably because they don't have any direct experience with the kits you asked about.... I'll try to actually answer your question.

I own the big 72" (green/red/white) CMP giles, and one of my flying buddies owns the smaller blue .50 sized CMP giles.

Other than having to adjust the thrust line on the engine my big Giles is a good flying bird - I did use all of my own hardware - but I do that on all of my big planes - the stock pushrods would have probably worked fine - but I build my bigger planes the way I want them. I have a 26CC Brillelli gasser on it, and while I enjoy the ease of gas, I think a lighter engine like the OS 1.60FX, or a Saito 150/180 would be better suited. Covering is cheap, but staying down with a little care. Fiberglass parts are good quality and the paint is very good.

My buddy with the $100 .50 size enjoys it as well - it's not 3D plane, but is a very point and shoot kinda performer, which is really what a Giles-202 should be. I've flown it, and have to say I have flown worse-handling planes from better-known manufacturers.

Yes - CMP planes do have weaknesses - and some models might be downright terrible - but the 2 giles I have seen from them are pretty decent offerings for the money.