Tim, you make some valid points. I thought it was odd that he didn't do more to indicate just how fragile it was. Also, there was nothing to absorb the shock of the base of the model from the floor of the crate. It was secured directly to the base. A hard drop on the floor probably doomed this kit. I'm guessing from the amount of insurance that was put on it and the cost of the un built kit, I'm guessing it cost a little over $2000 to have this commissioned.