Referring back to the original post (four plus pages ago):
Quote Originally Posted by Mickey View Post
I know that this has been talked about in a round about way before, but I'm interested in a different perspective.
...
As an example, my step grandfather, who I was very close with, was a Campbell. I obviously am not. ... Assume you didn't know me from Adam and you met me wearing Campbell and I told you this. Would you take any slight offense at it?
What do you mean, you are not a Campbell? You are a member of your grandfather's family by marriage are you not? I was always of the impression (having step & adopted, cousins, etc) that if you were related by blood, marriage or love (which would include adoption and remarriage), then you are a member of that extended family. So, if your grandfather could call himself a Campbell, then you too, as a member of his family, can say you are one (at least in part). And there you have my tuppence worth.