My Sr Telemaster took to the air in the spring if 2004 from a kit purchased in 1999 from Hobby-Lobby. The wood was flat and true.
I had stored it in my dehumidified basement and built it in November when it was dry.

As for the no hinges comment: To each his own for building style and technique.
I used ca hinges and a slot-cutting tool.

At just 9 pounds and a FA-80 swinging an APC 14-4W it just is a joy to fly.
It will do about any slow non-3d trick in the book and keep flying.
I would call it the model airplane equivalent of a Willies Jeep.
It can haul just about anything you can mount internally or out.

I had a chance to fly mine side by side with the New ARF kit. The ARF
was always busting something near the tale. One flight after a 3-point bounce
and go around the whole tail section came loose.

The stick built kit is a far stronger aircraft than the new ARF.
Then again the kit cost double the ARF if you count covering
glue and accessories, but worth every penny spent.