HOTRODPAINT, I guess to me a lot of it might revolve around the very use of the TERM Rat Rod, because as Bob said above
"...A lot of traditional style guys don't like the rat term because it's not intended to be complimentary....."
and I agree. In my case the first time I heard the term was in conjunction with motorcycles, and it was not an "honor" many bikers aspired to (even as "in your face" as most are).
As I view the term as a less than favorable classification (particullary as it relates to safety issues) I tend to put any vehicle that does show even a minimal amount of workmanship, attention to detail and and consideration of safety issues into a class that I feel it fits the car better. In my mind, by doing so I am paying a complement to the builder for his inititive rather than slamming him.
Take the late teens/early 20's guy or gal thats putting together their first car (no matter the body style) the car may have a long way to go, but as has been mentioned their doing their best effort. In my mind calling it a rat rod (especially if they if it's still under construction) is slamming them and their efforts.
I guess I just can't (at least not right now) bring myself to classify a car as a rat rod unless it fits into the rather strict definition I have listed above.
I am not unaware of how the term is used by many people to include basically any car or truck that has less than a show quality paint job or thats its applied to any era vehicle. For me there are a lot of cars that are called Rat Rods (even by their owners) that just shouldn't be in that catagory.