I build both. You have a valid point.

Generally the ARFs don't last nearly as long as kit built planes. The frequency of recycle time of an ARF is often too short, so I revert back to kit building for longevity, strength, quality, and the building is as much fun as flying for me.

I just don't fly some weekends to finish up the kit instead, but it's still a hobby activity.

Reading some ARF horror stories of covering woes, landing gear failures, wing joiners opening up if not the wing planking too, the more I read the more I want to be responsible for adding more than 1/2 a drop of glue on the joint than those children do in China, that never flew a plane they built apparently. I search for vintage kits where the hardware is actually something you'd want to use in the kit.
The balsa quality is excellent. Instructions were written in English, not translated into English. I've got a few Balsa USA and Pica kits ready to go, in fact, I just talked myself into building one right now instead of posting an opinion. There is always time if you cut out something less a priority in the day.