They're probably trying to do you a favor.
I use Kyosho Zeal tape. Awesome stuff, but a tad expensive. I've also been advised that two layers of Parma tape works well. I have some of the Parma tape, and it's not nearly as thick as the Zeal tape, but it is cushy.
Welcome Tony! I logged off early last night, and I see the thread (as usual) has moved quite a bit from last night!
I'd go for the Gens Ace battery from HobbyPartz (or whatever it's called). Less than $70, and it seems to be a very good battery. I have a few, and so far so good. You can't beat the price. IIRC, they are 40C rated. All my batteries are 40C, and I haven't had any issues. I have yet to race with them, though.
As for Tekin, I do see many issues with them. Fortunately for me, mine has been pretty solid. All of the CC products I've used (MMP and MMM) have been rock solid as well. I never gave LRP any real consideration. What kinds of features do they have?
Also, someone asked about shocks (sorry I forget who), and as already noted, they come pre-build, but it's a good time to install the tapered pistons.
That's what I did. Fortunately, AE used nuts on the shock shafts instead of e-clips, so you don't have to remove the shaft from the shock body to install the pistons.
One last thing, did everyone's kit come with black rear springs or silver? I bought a set of silver rear springs, and they look exactly like the springs that came with my kit. I don't have a spring tester that will tell me the spring rate of springs this soft, and since I'm still waiting on my scales, I don't have a good way to verify.