Actually, in my mind, while build quality was quite poor, the real problem is that the Frisco Fliers are too loosely based on the Folkboats. The Folkboats were considerably lighter and had considerably more, and higher density ballast. The result is that the Folkboats were a lot more stable and could carry sail longer. Also the Fliers were masthead
rigs and so a little harder to handle all around and less forgiving in changeable conditions (a folkboat strong point).
The Newel Cadets (and Offshore Cadets) really bear little resemblance to a Folkboat above or below the waterline. The Folkboats had nearly full length keels with outboard rudders. The Cadets had sharply cut away forefoots and raked rudder posts making them closer to a fin keel with attached rudder. Again, Folkboats were fractional
rigs with the sail's feet close to the deck, the Newels were masthead with a high mainsail foot.
My folkboat was extremely well balanced and was an absolute pleasure to sail. She was also reasonably quick for what she was. Great little boats all around so much so that she is certainly one of my favorite boats out of the over a dozen that I have owned. The Cheoy Lees in question really don't have the same virtues.
Jeff