Point out all the good features of the rod, maybe it has a great varnish job or a well shaped handle and reel seat. If the builder presses you for things he could do better pick one or two areas that he can focus on improving. As I look back at earlier rods I made, I remember being quite proud of them and now I see aspects of those build that were not quite to standard. Hey, it's a fishing rod. If you are selling rods you need to be held to a higher standard but a hobby or amateur builder can build rods any way he or she likes. Not everyone has a pure bred dog, some of the best pets are mutts and we love them just the same.