![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
I've been accused of many things, but "wise" has never been one of them. *laughs*
The RTV isn't supplied because they can't find a supplier that can provide tiny tubes of it. Sending a huge tube of RTV when the builder will use less than an ounce isn't practical.
Kapton tape doesn't have any backing, so it's not practical to send short lengths of it. The manufacturers of the stuff aren't interested in selling tiny rolls unless you're buying thousands of units (probably 10k+) at a time.
The RAMBo box includes locking pin connectors that aren't used, so you'd really only need to buy the male version of the connector and its pins if you want to build it out like I do.
I DO think that SeeMeCNC should include the crimp tubes - they may be doing so, but I don't know. (Guanu?)
The heater cartridge is a nice upgrade, but would add a whole pile of cost to the kit. You figure the two resistors might run 25 cents for the pair. A 40W heater is going to add $2-$5 depending on the source. Now granted, it doesn't sound like much, but all those little "extra" costs add up quick. Now that being said, I WOULD like to see the stock hot end ship with a threaded thermistor. Unfortunately that would add about $10-$13 to the cost of the kit if they sell them at cost. If they assemble them by hand, it could add a similar cost.
The stock hot end works very well for the filaments it was designed to print with. I wouldn't wish an E3D on a new user - they'll try it with PLA and end up banging their head against a wall. PLA does NOT like all-metal hot ends. Yes, there are a number of people that have gotten PLA to work well with the E3D, but from other discussions I've seen, that's the exception and not the rule. Now I'm not saying the E3D is a bad hot end - it's most certainly not. What it IS however, is an upgrade that should be purchased to fill a specific need, not just because it looks cool. It's especially suited to printing high-temp filament like trimmer line nylon.
g.