This subject has come up before. If you are interested you could do a search to find some of the previous threads. Nonetheless, I personally find it an interesting subject, albeit one which will usually create some heat.
To me, the term "scratch build" has meaning WITHIN the confines of a scale competion where the distinction is made between people who have done there own design/plans and those working from someone else's. At Scale Masters, for example, this is the case I believe.
Outside of such a competion environment, the term is confusing and potentially divisive - especially at the normal field or hobby shop. On the other hand, this is the "scratch building" part of RC Universe....
Allan