Charles,
I think you are missing the point here.
The reason you catch so much grief when you say that you can, or have built front row models is because, to my knowledge, you have never been to a Nats or appearance judging at the Nats. So, to say you know what a front row model is is not true. You may have a good idea what a front row model is, but you do not "Know" what a front row model is. A nice plane or even a very nice plane does not mean that it will be "Front Row".
To say you have built or can build to this level is perceived as a slap in the face to those who actually have done it.
"Front Row" is not a term that you can use to describe your own models it is a term that other people must assign your model.
You can't go around claiming that you build front row models unless you have done it, and a 30 year old RC plane does not count with this group of people.
Derek
Derek nailed this one right on the head.
Years back, I thought that I was a pretty fair builder. Until I stated flying with the likes of the late Jim Tichy, Phil Granderson, Jim Aron, Ted Fancher, Ray Firkins and Jerry Silver. After seeing their work, I didn't think that I was such a fair builder after all. Every year, Phil and Uncle Jimby raise the bar a little higher
and its getting harder and harder to keep up with them.
One observation I have made, is that most planes will look pretty good from ten feet. But the closer you get to them, the more flaws you will see.
When you look at the planes of those I mentioned above, the closer you get to them, the more intricate detail you will see.
The perfect cowl fit, the perfect gaps between the flaps and flap fairings, perfect fillets, no paint bleed on the trim colors and no overspray,no wood grain showing and no texture from silkspan. All of this, and I haven't even mentioned a mirror like finish.
At the next contest, take a close look at the front row planes and look for the details I am speaking of, then look at the follow up rows to see what separates them from the best. When you can notice these little details, you can then implement them into you own building techniques and you will be on your way to the front row as well.
Oh and thanks for all the compliments, even you P J, sorry you don't like her. Maybe on the next one I'll airbrush some tiger stripes

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team