I'm not saying "Don't buy Futaba," I'm just saying be smart about it. Buy a 4YF and sell or auction off the transmitter with tx battery, charger, and manual. You'll save $3 plus whatever you get for the transmitter. The example I gave where I bought the 7CHP radio system and sold off the Transmitter is a good example of how to get top quality radio gear for way less than retail.

Futaba receivers and servos are great quality, you just have to work a little harder to get a good deal on them. If you don't want to take the extra steps, then Hitec, Tower, and Hobbico branded radio accessories are all excellent, lower-cost alternatives. There's no such thing as a discount PCM receiver though, so figuring out how best to part out Futaba radio systems is also a good alternative.