Are Tamiya kits really worth the price premium?

Across r/modelmakers threads and specialist review sites, the consensus is that Tamiya's engineering, fit, and instructions are consistently a step above most competitors, which is why their kits dominate 'best of' recommendations in armor, aircraft, and ships. Cheaper brands like Revell or AMT can deliver good final results but typically require more cleanup, test-fitting, and experience. For beginners, the time saved fighting fit issues often justifies the extra cost.