I try to buy my planes already assembled - i.e., used from someone thinning out their collection.  I work long weeks and many ARF planes still require many hours of "assembly" which is time I would rather spend flying on the weekend.  I certainly don't have the time to "build" a kit.   Does it take anything away from the hobby?  Not for me.  I would rather be in the air than a workshop.  But, to each their own.