RE: whats the ARF that started it all ????
It was so long ago that I'm not sure of the manufacturer, but I think it was a Pilot. It was a thin plastic, and it immediately developed lots of little cracks. The only positive thing was I learned a lot about trimming, since it had to be trimmed every flight. Once trimmed, it flew reasonably well, but not great. I was so disallusioned I went back to kits and stayed there long after arf's started getting good. In fact, it took some nerve to show up with an arf since kit builders showed disdain. Now I'm into arf's again, and I love them. The quality is usually excellent, and I have gotten to old to spend my time building. They have come a long way!
Incidentally, if someone shows up with a plane built from a kit or from plans, it causes a lot of curiosity and admiration, plus a few comments like "why would anyone do that". Take care.