Isn't that exactly the point the guys on CGS sniff at?

Yep. I've heard it called the "paintbrush argument". As in someone can only be called a "real" artist if they create everything used in their work. Which for traditional artists would mean sticking every hair into their paintbrushes ;)

It's not seen at CGS either, it's here as well. A while ago when I made a vue version of a background prop (which allowed artists to use photos for backgrounds) someone complained I'd ruined all their hobby for them, because they liked placing every single tree in a scene!

Personally I think that, and the CGS argument that "pure" art can only be created by making everything in a scene, is BS.

If anything it's hey 'look at me , I'm a self inflicted masochistic martyr to my art" and it doesn't impress me. I think a good artist knows how to combine their diverse skills and tools to achive an end result.

Pinky - you left the lens cap of your mind on again.