Regarding the scale rule, at least the CD's look for planes that LOOK like scale so no pattern planes are allowed.

As for the original question, I would suggest you to get a good caller and if possible fly with him every time you practice and compete. You will get more than only a caller, you will get some "relation" and that helps a lot.

I don't know how good you are, but I thought I was good when I started and found myself in basic the whole season. Please don't think basic is a waste of time. It is only if you are way ahead of the competitors.