Folks, I ordered my k3 as a kit. I'll report to you all throughout the building process. Reading the reviews on eham, it appears that the build takes from 7 to 14 hours. There is no soldering. I've read the assembly manual, and it looks like a blind op could do it with some minimal help. I plan to make notes on the build, and submit them for inclusion in the assembly manual. I have spoken to the manual's author, and he is receptive to this. Have faith, I think elecraft will come through for us. If not, I plan to se them at Dayton, and have another chat. Having met both Duane and Eric several times, I am confident that they won't leave us out in the cold. More as soon as the kit arrives.