Well you got another thought about the PTS from someone who's seen them, but neither of us addressed the ARF vs. RTF question...

You've still got a lot to learn and even putting together the RTF, setting control throughs, checking the CG, figuring out how to run the engine etc. are going to be a lot. Putting together an ARF requires more tools, supplies and expertise, if you've got willing helpers you can get through it but if you're like I was starting out, you want to fly ASAP.

If you do opt for the ARF, I'd forget the Hitec radio and go with the Spektrum DX-7. It's not much more money and will do a whole lot of things you'd expect from more expensive computer radios, in addition to the ability to forget the frequency pin deal and possibly getting shot down by RF interference problems. It will also take you a LONG way down the RC modeling road. Let's face it, the 72 MHz stuff is on it's way out and barring the need for more than 7 channels, I can't see any reason to go to a 72 MHz radio anymore.

What adrenalinjunky said about the RTF included radio is true but my suggestion, if you're really stuck on the Mustang, is to go get the RTF and fly it for awhile. Then put the DX-7 in it and start pulling the training stuff off it...