sucks, ugly, does it really matter to you that much? its "mr. rc knowitalls" like yourself that keep this current hobby from becoming a sport, with mainstream recognition.
here is the best advice in buying a new 1/8th scale buggy:
1. BUY IT FROM YOUR LOCAL HOBBY SHOP! instead of selling out to online stores that break every MAP rule in the book and break direct rules from distributors
2. Buy what your local hobby shop supports
3. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, IF ITS CHEAPER, THERE IS A REASON, PERHAPS THIS IS MORE TRUE IN RC THAN ANYTHING ELSE.