I don't do contests so it doesn't really matter to me, I am not into competition,obviously you take yourself way to seriously, I just have fun with this hobby.

when people have one opinion they seem to want to propagate as the one end all fact of the matter,when others don't feel the same you need to pound your chest and brag on your accomplishments good for you, if it makes you feel better good on ya.

I have been doing this hobby for a long time my self, started flying control line at about age 8, flew my first RC plane at 14 at 45 its been a while for me as well, even after a long break from model building I know how they work and what makes a part function and how to properly install it and operate it.

as for the clips loosening up it takes some doing,I have planes 5years old the EZ connectors are as good as the day I installed them.

I am comfortable with my opinion, as you should be with yours you need to relax and fly your own planes the way you want them .