It sounds like you had a very bad experience along
the way with an ARF. I don't prefer them either however,
NOT all ARF's are created equal and perhaps shouldn't be
judged as such .

I could make a detailed list that would be quite long but
I won't. It's not worth it

Build your own and control the quality.

ARF's have come a long way...................and some , (yours)still
have a way to go.

Regards
Roby