"10. Appearance. Models shall be judged for appearance complete and ready to fly. After model has been judged, nothing will be removed from or added to the model which, in the judges’ opinion, changes in any manner the appearance of the model from the way it was when presented for appearance judging. However, during an attempt for official flight after the contestant has begun to crank the engine, if it becomes necessary to remove the propeller spinner for change of propeller, etc., then it is permissible to leave off the spinner for that particular flight. Any damage to the model after judging, or changes that may be made as a result of such damage, will not be cause for loss of appearance points. Appearance judging will take place just before contestant’s first flight. Judges shall exercise prudence in assigning points, and reserve excellent point values for those models which are decidedly above average. Appearance (Minimum-0 Maximum-20)"
The above is copied and pasted from the AMA website a few minutes ago. I don't see anything that says "design" or "style" or other stuff that's not to be judged. It's the APPEARANCE. Design, style, paint, graphics, shine, scars, patches, roughness, grain showing, seams in film, and all that stuff goes into appearance. If you're talking about Classics, then design and style can't be counted, because you're not supposed to change stuff (tho you can, and still fly). But don't you think that one design will just get higher AP's because it's a better looking design, with the finish, graphics and shine being equal to another (butt ugly) design? And of course, opinions vary...we're human. There are some designs that are ugly to me, but others seem to like. There are also colors I don't like, and I prefer a Classic model that has a Classic style of graphics. Reasonable? Wing tips are similar, in that some may like or dislike different styles. Oh well!
OBTW...if you submit your model for appearance judging with a fancy painted 3 blade prop and decide to change it to an APC before your flight...you should be busted, because it's not legal unless you can show that you broke it in a practise flight, etc. Changing airplanes also happens to be against the rules, unless you can show that your model submitted for AP judging, is broken and can't be repaired in time. Of course, if you are using an ARF, you can change props, or entire airplanes, because there are no AP's involved.
Steve