I would consider a kit if it was the best option for a budget conscious buyer. I'm still not sure how a blinged-out kit would measure up against a mid-priced store-bought complete guitar.
Ironically I my first kit will be an ES-5V (still on the way). Although I should clarify it will not be used for its intended purpose. I'll be butchering it into a microtonal 5 string instrument for use with Middle Eastern music and the odd bit of blues slide guitar. But that's another story
For my actual "jazz" archtop, I'd like one with a cut away.