There are many designers (many of which are members of this forum) who design model templates that are at a level of quality and complexity, that they rival that of plastic (and resin) model kits. Yes, these people really ask for very little in exchange for what all that they do. Granted there are those who wish to charge for their work. There is nothing wrong with that. They are entitled to the compensation for the work that they produce.
Now with that being said, is a commercial template "better" than a free template? Most certainly not. Is a free better than a commercial template? Again, no. Flaws, mistakes and issues can be found in both free and commercial templates. My suggestion to anyone who wishes to get into this hobby, determine what genre that one likes and is interested in. Start off with a simple and easy (regardless of it being commercial or free. However, I prefer free templates) template. Then once one has understood the basics of paper/cardstock model building, start working up to more complex and detailed templates. The three most important things to remember are, take your time building, have fun, and do not allow the failures of the first attempts (regardless of how they turn out) discourage one's' interest in the hobby as a whole (yes, I am speaking from experience. The first time that I built the template for the Thunder Fighter, it looked like a "DOG'S DINNER".
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