Have we lost patience or skill?

Hi everyone, I just came across this site and jumped in to register. I've been into model building for about 30 years. Of course, learnt the harder way. I Hope members wouldn't mind me talking conceptual, with regard to my little experience. I was called over to judge an aircraft model competition. I was surprised at a few models looked as if out of an imported kit, while a few were just for the heck of it. I would like comments, if members feel ready made kits vs scratch built scale, what's the good way. I am of the old school, so go in for scratch. New gen, what is short- time or skill?( pictures after the competition)