[Barra]

Before reading on, please note I am not an expert on "Super Mario Bros. 3", rather I am just answering based on my previous dealings as a mod here on this game (and similar titles) and the nature of the high scores rules themselves

Originally Posted by david man45

My question is does this pertain only to scenarios that 'reward you for playing badly' or that you have to play in some sort of 'loop' to accomplish?

No. This pertains to any and all scenarios where an infinite-loop is possible (or near-infinite, as you have pointed out)

For example, I just submitted a score for Super Mario Bros. 3: World 1 in which I used a spot in the second level where you can use the feather (and some timing skills) to jump on goombas that spawn in 3's to eventually 'farm' lives. Does that fall under the category of farming?

This falls under "don't collect the same 1up more than once".

I don't think it should, seeing how it doesn't reward playing poorly or initiate some infinite loop.

It isn't playing poorly, but it doesn't really challenge the player either. Anyone that has played a video game before could do it within a short time frame.
This initiates an infinite loop, or I guess you could say "near-infinite". Yes, there is a timer here but its extended duration means you can obtain a large amount of extra lives.
This is the exact reason Twin Galaxies initiated the 5-life rule for ALL variations of this title (as well as other titles with similar exploits)

The term 'near infinite' is oxymoronic, but I understand the meaning. In this situation I would think the time limit on the level would consider it exempt from being near infinite, or a loop, at all. I think that, and more often than not in SMB games, these games were designed in such a way to have situations like this taken advantage of.

I disagree. If you can collect >1 extra lives within the time limit on a certain stage, you have entered an infinite loop. Nothing stopping you from letting the timer kill you so you can play the same stage again. Rinse, repeat, etc.
If a player is able to do this, it kills the competition on the game as it makes it relatively easy to max out the score. I say "relatively" as it would still take a great deal of time, but not skill.

If you've ever played SMB3 on two player, you'd know the entire game was designed for competition over key farming levels for points. Some of which I'd say should not be used one single player score mode (World 7: you can keep playing the tower that brings you from the ground to the clouds for points. In two player it doesn't use a turn, which is why the first world has two flutes, so that either player can plan ahead to use the flute should their opponent have the chance at reaching that tower.), and some that I'd find acceptable (World 1 LVL 2? where you can use the feather to repeatedly jump on goombas to gather points up to 8000, then break the chain and repeat). Does using the flute in SMB3 to repeat worlds considered farming?

Sorry I am unfamiliar with the use of the flute, but can look into it if need be.

As for "jump on goombas to gather points up to 8000, then break the chain and repeat". This IS allowed provided you are not earning more than 1up per stage from the points alone.

Thoughts anyone? Does the perceived intention of the game design play a role in whether or not something is considered farming? And if something is considered farming, are not all forms of farming to be avoided while playing for the high score?

Personally I think and perception of how the game is meant to be played, plays no role in the rules which govern any specific high score board. However, the case may be different when considering glitches.

Also, these things don't have to be so black and white, and taken on a case to case basis. Could be something taken care of in a game mod section or x+ level forums

We do take these on a case-by-case basis, as we review all scores that come through. However, it would be too big of an undertaking to present specific rules for each game, hence the need for the general rules and FAQs.

Another thing that should be avoided at all costs is the use of "arbitrary" rules for any specific game. For example, we don't want to have to introduce artificial time or point limits for a certain area of a certain game.

We definitely do encourage people to ask if they have questions about a specific game. With the plethora of games we have here (and ones we dont) there will ALWAYS be grey areas and these need to be addressed at the time they present themselves.

A general rule of thumb is, if you think its farming, it probably is.

Sorry for the long post. Hope it helps a little and doesn't create more confusion!