Well, this is an interesting topic and I see a heated debate approaching. In many scale competitions over the last several years, ARF aircraft have indeed been in them and have won top honors. I suppose it depends on a persons definition of ARF. But imho, a completely pre-fabricated composite airframe is just as much an ARF as any other.
The BVM jets, for example. Or the Airworld composite ARFs with the rivets and panel lines molded in. How much more ARF can you get? Yet, these types are bringing home the trophies.
My personal opinon is there should be one venue where the ARF/ARC simply is not welcome and where personal pride, craftsmenship and artistry should take precedence!
That's the way it was done up till 20 years ago, maybe less. But I agree with you completely.