Why the concern over the distinction? Doing anything from scratch has pretty much been understood to be a creation soley by the person doing it.
Building from plans maybe isn't the purist definition but who cares. If the builder derives satisfaction from the projct that is about as good as it gets.
ORIGINAL: Mode One
Why is it people make the distinction and are absolutely adamant that "Scratch Built" must include the design of the plans from which the plane is built? The words "Scratch Building" state nothing about design, only building.
I have always considered when I have built from other peoples plans, I am building "Scratch from Plans". When I have designed the plans and built from them, I consider I have "Designed and Scratch Built" or "Scratched from Own Plans". Let's face it, more airplanes get designed, then built! Are all the airplanes I have designed; but, never built, still scratched?
We be splitting hairs, I know! I just get a kick out of how people seem so regimented about this! Maybe it's because of the great proliferation of the ARF! Those whom build, want more recognition for their more difficult endeavors!