Looks like you've been chewwing on this one for a while. While I agree with most of what you are saying here unfortunately most people won't take the time to read and understand the entire editorial. Personally, I am a fan of the 1/2a classics. I recently procured two Top Flite replicas of the discontinued School Boy trainer (.020 peewee power) and the School Girl Bipe (.049) These planes are so beautifully crafted with timeless yet un-reproduced lines that they hang as displays in my bedroom. Oh and they are not covered with monocoat. They are fully balsa sheeted and painted with clear and colored dope.