As another artist who joined steem around the same time as you I agree with all you said especially the part about stealing of ideas. I am happy to see people learning the craft of art making by copying but I do like to see attribution given where due.
Copying is an important skill to have ( and one which I struggle with) so I commend those we are good at it and those that are learning.
Ideas are individual and to claim them as your own when they are not, will not push you to develop your own.