Ram,
You're right about the point of an ARF being to save time. I don't have the time or patience to glue all those sticks together but I do love the detailing part of the finish. The stock 109 is a blank canvas to me and with just a little effort and small amount of time, viola!...a masterpiece! You may be surprised at how little effort it takes and you can do as much or as little as you like. It may be a little vain but I like the admiration my duded up ARFs get at the field. Also, there are only two kinds of flyable RC aircraft...those that have crashed and those that will crash...the clock ticks on 'em all...just runs out sooner on some!