General Discussion

Whether AI can be a part of the creative process is an entirely separate question from how to use AI ethically.

We agree as to the ethical concerns.

But, as I said, the arguments you are making against using AI as part of the creative process are - almost word for word - the arguments those disparaging photography as not real art have used against it. It is completely irrelevant that you have always considered photography art. You are still, likely without being consciously aware of it, mimicking the arguments levied against photography, initially, and against the use of photoshop for as an electronic darkroom, later. Since I have lived through those arguments as to photography twice, I know those arguments well, and know how they turned out in the end. (As well as similar arguments against the use of calculators.)

With the introduction of every new technology, there is the potential for benefits and detriments. Simplistic, knee-jerk rejections of new technology, rather than figuring out how to harness it for good is not a winning strategy.