Which begs the question of do you program all your sounds from scratch too? Does everything you do start from a blank VST and programmed up? Or do you use samples and preset sounds in your software? At what point do you draw the line between 'tool' and 'cheating'?
I understand what you mean, but I feel as if there is a difference between someone coming up with a melody in their head and putting it on paper, in a program, etc., and someone using various parts of pre-arranged melodies, and making music. I used to do that all the time when I was a kid. I guess I was stuck in a stigma where it wasn't truly composed unless it was "made-from-scratch". Now, I understand that phrase, in itself, is subjective.
Needless to say, I want to thank you guys for your feedback and input. I can actually start focusing on what matters with a clear conscious.