"With regard to Scenario 3. I 100% agree with you that it would probably be punished and that to do so is stupid. I never understood that even a child."
As a child I did not understand this either. Now that I am all grown up -grin- I understand quite a bit more about life and the nature of people.

I was one of those kids that never had to study. I did not do my homework, I aced all the tests. It was great. I also tended to read a lot more than the other kids, and when I did have a project, I did it myself.

Not all kids are like that. If a project is designed as a group project, part of the overall task is to learn to work together. When a teacher gives students assignments that are meant to be done individually the purpose is NOT to teach teamwork, but to encourage intellectual growth.

Granted, in your 3rd scenario, the students that did the work together were very likely more advanced than the rest of the students, considering the use of cpan, etc. (there I go assuming again.. -g-) But they did RESEARCH. For this type of student, it probably is better. Unfortunately not all students are like this. Many would use it to cheat.

The question then becomes, in the same class, is it fair to accept a project from some students in teams, but others must work individually? Nah.. at least not in the US. The teacher would be fired and the schoolboard sued....