HOBBYIST, (Noun): a person who pursues an activity in their spare time for pleasure.
BETTER, (Adjuctive): describes something as being superior or is an adverb that means something is done to a higher degree or more completely.
And I have to add a few other words not previously mentioned that should be included in this discussion"
BEST, (Adjuctive): of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality. NOUN: that which is most excellent, outstanding, desirable.
BIAS, (Noun): prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
STANDARD, (Noun): an idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations.
OPINION, (Noun): a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
DESIRABLE, (Adjective): worth having or wanting; pleasing, excellent, or fine.
DESCRIMINATION, (Noun): the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of things.
For me and I would predict many others, the question regarding who builds better models is a impossible question to answer definitively. It will also be impossible without exact defined standards to compare everything to as who is the best and why.
So to me it is important to understand that all the answers here should be considered personal opinions and none of them are wrong. So let our opinions fly and hopefully we can enjoy all the answers equally.
I would like to add more to the remarks concerning competition modeling. Contests modeling in many situations can be a very negative thing to competing modelers when determining who is better or best. I have participated as well as judged as part of a group in numerous model contests only to find that in many instances relationships, bias, and opinion can and do often effect the results; especially when clear standards are not defined and identifying "winners" is also related to money, status, or qualification for a higher level contest.
I quit competing in modeling contests a couple decades ago and have found I enjoy my builds more and the pace and structure much less stressful. That too is why I stopped building models for companies or commission years ago too. Unrealistic deadlines, ever changing desires for a build without additional compensation, or building to a budget price point all take away any sort of building pleasure for me.
I would rather answer this question in with another question. Who are the modelers who enjoy the modelling craft and are the happiest when working in it regardless if it is a profession or a hobby?
To me, those are the winners and best modelers. And it does not matter the skill level, modeling subject, etc. This is a very rare instance where truely everyone can be a winner or be better, depending on what your trying to get out of it.
Ben / DRUMS01