I agree, You are correct that it can't be classified as living, because it can't self-sustain. I was trying to point that efforts of researchers in combining macromolecules has not been fruitless. They have created artificial systems with minimalistic criteria or what you call a prototype for life. But yes it would be more exciting to see an artificial self sustaining cell in action. Now reverse engineered cells may fit the bill, but even I don't like the fact that, they aren't artificial enough. I think this is a very interesting topic you have opened.