A model doesn't have to be particularly good to qualify for scale or sport scale competition. The rules specify that the model can't just be an upper stage, and they specify that you must somehow document the model (some sort of picture of the real thing for Sport Scale, and much more persnickity requirements for a photo and some real-world dimensions for scale), but there are no standards for accuracy for a contest. So, for instance, if you entered that kit as-is, along with a photo or outline drawing of the real Nike Deacon, you would qualify. And whether you would be likely to win depends on whatever other models are entered.

But that doesn't keep me from looking down my nose at what a manufacturer produces as a kit. I make an effort *not* to look down my nose at a modeler's efforts, though. I can admire a well-built version of that kit as a fine bit of model rocket history.

Peter