Earl,
I think that most folks would agree that if follow directions, take no shortcuts, and don't cheat, you should have a wine complimentary of the cost of the kit. I think the two reasons why people are not happy with kits are
1. They buy the cheapest kit available and want it to taste like a $20 bottle of wine.
2. They do not de-gas their wines appropriately. If you look at wine judging cards, this is probably the largest mistake.
Hal