I feel there is a difference between observing a reference photo and tracing one. My art education started with life only drawing, and once I got to college photo reference and even some tracing happened depending on the project and technique I decided to go with. I traced a lot when I was doing etchings in printmaking, but even then I was using my own photos so I wouldn't have to worry about copyright if I ever sell my work.

It's true, the internet is definitely an environment cultivated for instant gratification where things can get dodgy and out of control fast. I don't think it's bad to have an ego and validation for your art, but as an art poster on the internet I understand that the chance is high something will wind up where I don't want it. Should that make me stop posting art, no. Does it make me wary what I share on the internet, yes. At least with fanart most people who may shuffle it around are in a domain I'm following.

I know out of anyone, you suffer with theft the most and it's a shame it happens at all.