[This discussion might have to be split off the emblem thread]
I do understand allowing reproductions into the hobby.
Without them, there would be few Mustangs to show.
Since you've helped me a lot with determining correct parts and finishes you understand some of the choices I've made with my restoration and that wherever possible I restore Ford parts to original Ford assembly line condition. As time goes on I'm tending more towards Div I than Div II. It doesn't mean I'll compete in Div I. It's just that I've made choices that tend almost always towards original rather than reproduction.
But, there are some places I have to chose reproduction due to lack of parts availability.
What I'm getting at, and probably failing to get across, is in your last two sentences.
What is the threshold for accurate reproductions?
Does MCA and SAAC allow "any" reproductions? You state there are "also less genuine terrible looking reproductions which can result in deductions if used." That statement implies there is a threshold of acceptability but no one has defined that threshold.
Since there is no "MCA Approved" or "SAAC Approved" stamp on parts the owner is left to ponder where this threshold might be. However, by deducting points on "terrible reproductions" there is an implicit MCA or SAAC approval to better reproductions.
In other words, it's subjective, not objective.
In the case of the 67 dashpad, it's the only reproduction out there. It's not even close. So, the owner then must buy a Ford original or suffer loss of points.
Same with the firewall pad and so on.
I could argue that the mustard color and incorrect lettering of the fender and gas cap emblem are also unsatisfactory. And should have the same effect on points as the dashpad.
I understand the threshold of acceptability is a difficult question.
But reproduction parts cannot remain subjective.