RE: whats the ARF that started it all ????
For me it was a Seagull Boomerang (high wing trainer) for my boys to learn to fly on.
I had built them high wing trainer from a kit (Hustler Mk3) and they destroyed it on the first day (the instructor didn't believe in buddy boxes). So to get them airborne again quickly I bought this plane as an ARTF set.
It lasted them both until they had their wings and we still have it (albeit a lot worse off for wear and tear).