So you paid almost exactly $100 more for a bigger and heavier plane with a split stab and stab tube, than what I paid for the smaller plane in November 2013. Sorry, but I still don't see why this is so shocking. Maybe it's because we could save $128 if we went to pick them up, or maybe I'm overestimating the 74 Laser's size compared to the 71 Slick, 72 330SC, and the 74 Edge. Are the new 74 EXPs the same size as these planes?
You're equating value to size... and I'm equating value to presence in the air, and performance. I think that is where we're missing each other's points here.
I've built and owned every 3dhs 7X" bird available in the last 4 years. This 74" Laser IMHO out-flies all of them.. but that margin of victory is small. The Laser flies like an uber precise 71" Slick. Same fat fuse, but a little more length and larger tail control surfaces. Better than the 71" Slick... yup! But the EF 74" Laser costs
$108.40 more to get to my door. That's a big pill to swallow for two comparably preforming airplanes.... at least IMHO.
Big quantitative differences between the 71" Slick and the 74" Laser:
Laser is a little bigger with more tumbling ability and better precision and high alpha performance.
Laser doesn't have a ringed cowl, the Slick does.
Laser comes with SFGs, the Slick doesn't.
Laser comes without hinges installed, the Slick only needs the rudder done.
Laser has new sliding latch cowl, the Slick needs screws for gas use.
Laser has removable tail stabs, and requires one more servo than the Slick, (increasing cost
$100 more in my case).
Laser is slightly better build and initial quality.
Laser has slightly better hardware quality.
Hope that explains where I'm coming from better.