I prefer to buy short kits as it allows you to select your own hardware, clevises, engine mounts etc. Plus you don't have to mae your own wing ribs or fuselage formers, which if you don't have a scroll saw can be quite laborious. You also get to select the wood that YOU want to use for sheeting and stringers.

Once you have purchased all the extra bits of wood and harware that you would otherwise get get in the kit , I have found, that the short kit is often more expensive.