Just to point out as some may not be aware, but Tamiya DO outsource much of the manufacturing of their r/c kits to other countries - the Philippines is where most of Tamiya's cheaper kits are made.
Tony hit the nail on the head tho, TRF sales are a fraction of Tamiya's total sales volume, the vast majority coming from their beginner/club touring cars. TRF was never meant to be an attempt at becoming a volume seller of competition kits, it was always just a showcase for their engineering skills, to prove that they can do it
Considering, on the touring car side at least, they are the most successful manufacturer in terms of world championships, and probably have the smallest team of any competition based manufacturer, I'd say their strategy has been pretty successful
