I really do not subscribe to the EM, P4, 7mmFS, live steam 'ONLY' gauge 1, uber dogs danglies ultra detail all singing dancing what ever as the best there can be, and one which everyone should subscribe to and thus everything else is beneath and should be dismissed you train of thought.
Its simple, some peoples priorities are different from others and they should be respected for that.
I have many planned projects in many scales using many diverse materials and construction techniques that would make any 'serious' modeller cringe and recoil with horror, that's their problem, I'm happy in my own little world and surely the measure of success should be measured in the eyes of the builder/ owner.
I have to be honest and confess to the 'ouch' first reaction syndrome when looking at some models, such as some recently seen on Ebay or the other side, however I do also confess to my almost instant second thought being, 'who the hell are you to judge anyone', if they are happy then that's all that matters.
Sorry, just tired of this global trend for everyone to fit into the 'market' mould of what is acceptable, tired of being told what I should aspire to and how to achieve that.
Nothing personal, just a view I hold on the present climate and trends I see in model train circles and life in general.
Addendum, I watched this 'best is must' trend grow in flight sim circles until I left in disgust as the market and scene almost of imploded on its self, no one dare sell or produce middle market material as it is vociferously pulled apart by those 'that know' what we all want. The end result is a pile of uber models at high prices and a very very small market place. There should always be room for the middle man and even the lower man, it is those arenas that encourage and entice new blood. Top quality models are very nice and I like them as much as most, but sometimes people simply need to see something that they can aspire too, at what ever level their skill set is.