I get annoyed at the misuse of terms as well but i just keep my mouth shut. Just because I ENJOY building doesn't mean everyone else needs to. Still, it's nice to get some acknowledgement on a job nicely done. For the most part this only comes from the (few) other builders still around.
One problem with kitbuilding is the expense. Case in point.... I built a Top Flite AT-6 from the (discontinued) kit I've had lying around for a few years. I think I paid about $150 for the kit. Throw in about $80 worth of covering, paint, adhesives and $300 for a set of Robarts and I've got close to $550 in the airframe. Forget the 300+ hours. When TF came out with the ARF I bought one as a 'practise' T-6. Got the whole thing with retracts for about $275. OK, the gear isn't pneumatic but it works. The ARF weighs 1.5 pounds less than my creation and it flys just about as well. I'm not emotionally attached to it like I am the original but what the heck, if it crashes I just call 1-800-ARF and I'm back on the fliteline with less than 3 nights of slapping in servos and joining 3 wing panels invested! You really can't blame folks for taking the easy way out. Still, it can never be the same as when you roll your 'heart and soul' out to the fliteline for the maiden. You know exactly what I mean.
I have to get back to the shop. I'm extending the nose on this Flair Bipe I'm building in order to use the nice spun aluminum cowl that came with the kit while shoe-horning in a .72 four stroke. Simply can't have the prop sticking out an extra 7/16" from the cowl and recessing that baby into the firewall is a nightmare. Now THIS is what it's all about : )