Thanks to everyone for this wide-ranging and interesting discussion.
To clarify my original position and point:
Compared to other Series II Estes kits, the Super Big Bertha compares unfarorably to other current Series II kits of which I've had recent experience and for two main reasons:
1) The fin build-up which I still maintain is not completely necessary, even though I comprehend the reasons given here for the 20 piece parts fin count. A pain. A needless pain, really.
2) The lack of a pre-slotted body tube.
Both these features---drawbacks---do not afflict the Doorknob, one of which I just built. Nor do either obtain with the Series II Nike Smoke--my next build (and my third NS). The former has solid balsa fins, the latter. nice plastic fins. And both have pre-slotted body tubes. I don't think pre-slotted tubes is too much to ask when you're paying over $30 for a kit.
Same for the Executioner--balsa fins and pre-slotted. of which I've build half a dozen. Even the smaller class 36 3D cluster (or whatever the correct name is) that isn't a fin-through-the-wall construction, but, nevertheless, has "extra" parts for integrity (like those plastic sleeves) is an easier build compared to Super Big Bertha. And results in a nice cluster rocket (too bad it's out of production.).
My overall disappintment with Bertha is its poor construction design, apparently due to cost control and import problems, as I understand from the comments here.
So, bottom line here is: If I splash either the Doorknob, the Nike Smoke, or the Super Big Bertha next time I fly, I would replace the first two. But not Bertha. It's just not a satisfying build for the extra steps.
