RE: why are kits so damn expensive?
Some like to build and Some like to assemble... the assemblers will forever outnumber the builders going forward and thats the way it is. I like to build and will keep at it. I even built my flight box, even though the kit was the same price as pre-built version and folks at the club laughed at me for that one. But at least i know which box is mine b/c it doesn't look like the other 6, and neither does my TH trainer or 4* (dedicated kit basher) and soon which VK Nieuport 17... ooops it will be the only one.... b/c there aren't ARFs of anything structurally complicated. I enjoy building furnture too... again you have the box openers/assemblers and those who pull out the drill press and table saw.
Mike