John,
I think your post defines the differences on both sides of the coin.
You would define or justify the discussion/decision with quoted regulations and Websters.
I would not.
Keep in mind, Websters has changed numerous times since 1828 and most regulations are of a partisan and political gene pool.
Native American? I have to agree with Neil. My ancestors all came here long before the revolutionary war. SO I consider myself a much "Native American" as any other....with the mode of transportation (ship vs land bridge) being the only difference. Definitions are often used both ways in order to support or refute a particular argument.