We've had this discussion before. It seems that there is no "agreed upon" definition of the term. The one consistant thread seems to be that the younger members thumb their nose at any limitation, or definition, and feel that a "rat" is whatever they want it to be.

"Low buck" and "anti-establishment", seem to be the goals, as far as some young members are concerned.

"Poorly planned" and "poorly executed" might be the viewpoint of many older members.