The Craftsman saws were anything but accurate. However, there were several manufacturers who made very accurate and reliable machines. There is a bit if tweaking needed to get one set up properly as with any machine and if not done correctly will lead to nothing but frustration.
Delta, DeWalt, Rockwell and some others made great radial arm saws.
Yes, there are horror stories of people cutting off fingers, hands, and even arms. But when used with care they can be safe and big time savers.
My first stationary tool was a Craftsman RAS. Piece of crap. But i did some amazing work with it. Built our first dining table, even cut the tapered legs out of 4x4 Western spruce and cut tenons on the aprons. Did a lot of ripping, cross cutting and dado work.
Would I get another one?
If I had room and found the right one I would get it in a heart beat.