I never saw why there needs to be a distinction.
The distinction often comes down to two styles of people not liking the other style of player. The "role player" want's to focus more on the acting and engagement, where as the "power gamer" tends to like the combat and mechanical aspect. But I don't see there's any reason why you shouldn't make the best possible character with a fun personality?
So yeah, I always consider my build, but it has to fit within a character idea. Sometimes I write my character from a build idea, other times I have the idea in mind.
I don't only play "the best builds", and find it fun to explore concepts and trying to maximize them.
