I think one reason why we have different ideas of "cheating" or whatever word you want to use for it, is because we are different stages of weight loss. Some of us still have 50 (or 70 or 20) pounds to go, and others have achieved their goals and are doing maintenence.
Now I may have slipped a couple of times, but I go back to my plan immediately because I want to reach my goal weight. I stall VERY easily, so I really pay for every bite that isn't planned. Once I get to my goal, I know it will be easier to have those little indulges, like pie at Christmas, but until then, I cannot cheat.
This is just one of those YMMV things, I guess.