RE: ARF then Kit, or straight to Kit?
I like to build. period. I like going out into my garage and fiddling around. It's relaxing. When i started over 20 years ago, building from kits was the only way. I don't think i'll ever buy an ARF unless i crash my trainer and that is only so i can get back into the air quickly. I already have multible kits and plans lined up to build.
If you like working with you hands and creating something rather than going out and buying something completed, then you'll like building.
skeeter