I built a Smoothie as my first ARTF since restarting CL this year. I agree 100% that the gear mounting is too weak for anything less than a featherlight landing - I sheared mine off on a low pull-out over tarmac. I removed the fuse bottom planking and epoxied in an oblong of Deal wood (nice and light with very close grain), with two 1/2" holes drilled thru lined with plastic tube, then epoxied two corresponding bolts to u/c centre-section. The u/c is now optionally drop-off or locked on with discreet elastic bands - and the Smoothie looks even better in the air without u/c (as long as the landing is on grass!)
I found the covering was and has remained good, but the inaccurate laser cutting had left very little wood to mount the tail feathers onto (needed a balsa block letting into the rear fuse). The general weight of the balsa used is ultra - light so be VERY careful grabbing hold of it without thinking. I made the mistake of not buying the recommended tank with it - had endless problems with fuel feed, instantly cured by getting the right one from Brodak. My Smoothie is powered by a PAW .35 diesel and is actually very nice indeed to fly - hope you enjoy yours too!