Answer, supply and demand with better profits in the ARFs.
I have given kit cutters A try, pretty nice way to do things.
I still enjoy cutting my own kits but I may be or have A better set up to do it then most modelers?? I like building from plans for my own planes but just because I have A lot more choices instead of just the cookie cutter planes you see most the time.
The price on kits wouldn't be bad if they would stick glass cowls and pants in the kit instead of plastic crap. That is A bunch to spend on A box of wood then have to spend more money on after market parts to make it look better and last longer.
It's A good question you posted but an easy answer.
Go ahead and vent though, this is A good place for it!!