I feel certain that no one is entering these contests with any real intent to "cheat." And without INTENT what counts as "cheating" is really just all about interpretation. The guy who "finishes" a BVM jet or "forked-tail fighter" from Yellow Aircraft ( http://www.yellowaircraft.com/props/p38.htm ) has done one kind of building and the guy who build a Mick Reeves Camel has done a different kind of building. We could argue forever about which kind of building is "harder" or which is "real building." Personally, I'm more interested in the "inside stuff" than the "outside stuff" so I have my own biases....but that's all they are my own personal biases that aren't even shared by all other WWI builders, let alone those who prefer aircraft from other eras.

I don't compete, but I sure am thankful for all the people who do...and for all the people who organize these events.