I guess it's as I noted... Fender don't go after people with as much zeal as some other do if you deign to put their logo on a "ho" ... I do agree with you though; jus the circumstances are unusual for the Co in question...
(cheers for the link, Joe)
It doesn't even have to be a "ho" -- you can now buy genuine Fender necks and bodies separately again, and there are eBay sellers like thestratosphere who part out new Fenders. Point is, if the body and neck of your bass aren't the same as what left the factory, then it's a parts instrument. Nothing wrong with that, of course , as long as it's clearly disclosed.