I think most modelers build in their own "comfort zone" It just depends what level of detail and accuracy you want to put into a build. Building models is an enjoyment we all share..! In my opinion...if you share your work on a forum or at a model car club its all done in the fun of building and sharing. I myself strive for a realistic look on most of my builds, and besides "the basics" I cant build with kit parts that are molded too thick, and I have to sand them down to look more in scale thickness. Including belts, engine and seat, exhaust tips, The edges of hoods, wheel openings in fenders, window posts, hood scoop openings should be thinned down to look more in scale. And if you add something it should be in scale. Hoses, wires, engine brackets, roll cages etc. That's how I like to build 'em...!
BUT..... if you put a model car on a table in a judged contest... You have to start with "the basics"...
not removing mold lines, ejection pin marks, part seams, manufacturing info raised letters that could be seen
no visible glue, finger prints, bad fitted parts or dust should be visible
no bad paint work or bad bare metal foil work, and no bad decals
crooked parts or crooked wheels or only sitting on 3 wheels
if you have any of the above present, your model shouldn't get a second look by judges...but I have seen too many great looking paint jobs and extra detail work that looks great ... but they have one of the above issues and still manage to place in their category..! That's not cool in my book..!
if we're talking pet peeves... at judged shows
hoods not hinged...just sitting next to models... unless in box stock category and hinging was not included in kit
MOLD LINES and SEAMS..!
out of scale add on's
crooked wheels
a lot of added detail....but bad paint or missed basics...
But that is how I feel ...and when it's not on the contest table it's up to the individual builder to take it their own "comfort zone" and that's what makes the hobby fun for all...and I think a builder shouldn't be dinged for not doing what I think...unless he asks us what would make his model building better...!
Just what I think...