"Script kiddie" always referred more to the level of expertise and knowledge that these folks had, more so than any elitist DIY ethic. A script kiddie would on

"Script kiddie" always referred more to the level of expertise and knowledge that these folks had, more so than any elitist DIY ethic. A script kiddie would only know enough to be dangerous, how to download and run the prepackaged kit, and wouldn't understand how/why it works or fails. Whereas a seasoned cracker may apply the same tools in a systematic way that's informed by knowledge of the underlying concepts, and how to make the most out of options, and adapt to particular targets.