RE: Problems Flying the Exceed F4E
Yes, any plane requires setup and a good going over.
EDF's do not have air being pushed over their control surfaces unlike prop planes, so they tend to wallow around or feel mushy as they get slow.
This catches the inexperienced by surprise with exactly the results you describe.
Your plane needs to be gone over.
On the F4, the neutral point of the elevator has the trailing edge of the control surface a bit higher than the leeding edge, holding the nose level in flight.
The rudder control needs to be centered by adjusting the berg screw holding the wire.
These little things are essential to do, no matter who's plane you've purchased, but they are not known by a typical newbie.
In RC,
100% ready to fly means, about 60 minutes to configure and trim out, plus time needed for battery charging.
RTF means about 2 hours to put together.
ARF means about 10-20 hours of construction
Kit means a whole season of work or MORE.