What is the best practice for reverse engineering/modeling applications: A) as scanned vs. B) as reincarnated with procurable parts?

Summary: Garett Patria raises a question regarding best practices in reverse engineering when it comes to modeling with different intents. They describe a situation where they modeled a product (Model intent "A") and then adapted it using procurable parts (Model intent "B"). They seek community input on whether it's better to create separate model configurations to preserve each intent or to replace the original model as prototypes are tested. Garett Patria is interested in learning about existing standards, best practices, and references, noting the debate over whether designs should be manufacturing agnostic.

AI Summary

I've dealt with this debatable subject a few times in my CAD career in the auto and defense industries and I'm questioning it again on a current reverse engineering effort. I've measured dimensions (and confirmed materials) of a product I'm reverse engineering and modeled it in 3D with a corresponding 2D drawing (Model intent "A"). Later, I've identified available parts with which to reincarnate the product in the most economical/procurable way - and this needs a model and drawing also (Model intent "B"), since it has some differences from Model intent "A".

Are folks in this community just creating a separate model configuration to represent Model intent "B" (to preserve Model intent "A")? Or...are folks just replacing Model intent "A" with the new dimensions/info of Model intent "B", as prototypes get built and tested? There are pros and cons of various philosophies, obviously. Curious as to what reverse engineering standards/publications (references please!), best practices, lessons learned, etc. are out there. I remember one of the old adages used to be something along the lines of: "PURE designs should be manufacturing agnostic...", but I'm not sure I ever totally agreed with that nor seen it in actual practice. "As cast in steel" vs. "As machined from aluminum" vs. "As 3D printed", etc. comes to mind.

Notional depiction to provoke discussion :)

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