most tools that get a bad rap are due to usage by the uninitiated
one has to be in physical control of the radial arm saw or it will grab
cut speed has to be controlled manually and that has surprised a few people i am sure
there were some higher end radial arm saws that did well with angles usually larger too like 14 or 16 inch saws
blade technology also makes a big difference first time i used a freud on the skilsaw it really felt like a different saw
something about hammering nails sometimes it is just fun
but palm nailers and air guns are a lot of fun too
hammers will always be around but looks like fewer and fewer choices if you want a radial arm saw