OK - I will wade into this one.  Let's start by reviewing the rulebook language:

9.8.3. Engine and Motor Control (Option).
This option requires the contestant to demonstrate dependable, scale-like engine(s)/motor(s) control throughout the entire official flight. If the model is equipped with diverse types, or widely diverse sizes of similar power plants (e.g., gas and electric, or all gas such as with two (2) large (.40 cu.in.) and two (2) very small (.010 cu.in.) the contestant must demonstrate to the judges that all power plant units are contributing significantly to the models performance. All engine(s)/motor(s) must operate through the entire flight and during the taxi lap if this option is called for unless the aircraft routinely had shutdown engine(s) in flight or on taxi. If the contestant desires to demonstrate engine(s)/motor(s) run-up prior to takeoff, a helper or stooge may be used to hold the model. Engine(s)/motor(s) shutoff is called and executed with the model at stationary at the end of the flight.
ERRORS:
1. If demonstration is made, the beginning and ending of scale operation were not called out.
2. An engine or motor quits before release for takeoff.
3. An engine or motor quits before flight is completed.
4. Engine throttle or motor speed changes are not smooth.
5. Major engine throttle or motor speed changes during flight not required by an option being flown or wind conditions.
6. Engine(s) or motor(s) do not stop when engine/motor cutoff is called.
7. Engine or motor cutoff is not called.

I spoke with Richard Schneider (AMA Scale Nats Chief Judge) and we agree - we would award points in proportion to the quality of the the portion of the option already demonstrated.  In other words, the Taxi example could score up to 7 or 8 points, depending on the quality of the already completed taxi.  Credit should be given for the quality of options or portions thereof already demonstrated.  The intent of the rules is to give the judges and the contestants criteria and guidance for performing and evaluating a realistic flight.  Minimum failures should have minimum penalties.  Major penalties should be reserved for major failures, such as omitted or completely blown (unrecognizable) options.

FYI - I have been considering holding an online judging seminar for CL Scale (both static and flight).  The RC Scale folks have done this annually (face-to-face in Muncie) and believe that it has helped in more consistent scoring. 
ANY INTEREST IN AN ONLINE SCORING SCORING SEMINAR FOR CL SCALE??? 

Pete

OK - I will wade into this one.  Let's start by reviewing the rulebook language:

9.8.3. Engine and Motor Control (Option).
This option requires the contestant to demonstrate dependable, scale-like engine(s)/motor(s) control throughout the entire official flight. If the model is equipped with diverse types, or widely diverse sizes of similar power plants (e.g., gas and electric, or all gas such as with two (2) large (.40 cu.in.) and two (2) very small (.010 cu.in.) the contestant must demonstrate to the judges that all power plant units are contributing significantly to the models performance. All engine(s)/motor(s) must operate through the entire flight and during the taxi lap if this option is called for unless the aircraft routinely had shutdown engine(s) in flight or on taxi. If the contestant desires to demonstrate engine(s)/motor(s) run-up prior to takeoff, a helper or stooge may be used to hold the model. Engine(s)/motor(s) shutoff is called and executed with the model at stationary at the end of the flight.
ERRORS:
1. If demonstration is made, the beginning and ending of scale operation were not called out.
2. An engine or motor quits before release for takeoff.
3. An engine or motor quits before flight is completed.
4. Engine throttle or motor speed changes are not smooth.
5. Major engine throttle or motor speed changes during flight not required by an option being flown or wind conditions.
6. Engine(s) or motor(s) do not stop when engine/motor cutoff is called.
7. Engine or motor cutoff is not called.

I spoke with Richard Schneider (AMA Scale Nats Chief Judge) and we agree - we would award points in proportion to the quality of the the portion of the option already demonstrated.  In other words, the Taxi example could score up to 7 or 8 points, depending on the quality of the already completed taxi.  Credit should be given for the quality of options or portions thereof already demonstrated.  The intent of the rules is to give the judges and the contestants criteria and guidance for performing and evaluating a realistic flight.  Minimum failures should have minimum penalties.  Major penalties should be reserved for major failures, such as omitted or completely blown (unrecognizable) options.

FYI - I have been considering holding an online judging seminar for CL Scale (both static and flight).  The RC Scale folks have done this annually (face-to-face in Muncie) and believe that it has helped in more consistent scoring. 
ANY INTEREST IN AN ONLINE SCORING SCORING SEMINAR FOR CL SCALE??? 

Pete