What makes it a copy is the significant functionality that was copied, stuff that wouldn't be informed by the "It's a spaceplane so it has to be a certain shape

What makes it a copy is the significant functionality that was copied, stuff that wouldn't be informed by the "It's a spaceplane so it has to be a certain shape" function. Things like the split rudder speed brakes that are open at about 15% on touch down, which is identical to US Shuttle performance. Things like using basically the exact same "Conical" energy management flight procedures on landing. Having a very similar landing localizer system. That and nearly everything people mention that differentiates Buran from the US Shuttle never actually existed. Things like "It could carry ten people" or "it has ejection seats for everyone" were never built. The only Buran program shuttle to actually go to space had no systems for human life support and no ability to add it after the fact. That's the entire reason it was "Fully" automated BTW, because they wanted an uncrewed test. The "Buran" with jet engines was only a singular test article used for exclusively atmospheric tests that was not added to the space capable vehicle. The vehicle that made the spaceflight didn't even have functioning payload bay doors.