It seems I'm of the same opinion as quite a few of the people here.

Flat out thieves need to be dealt with quickly and severely. It's not a matter of ignorance in that situation, but a plain lack of common sense. Of course if there's a copyrighted image you're not allowed to take it and claim it as your own. People who want to be part of an online ARTISTS' community should absolutely familiarize themselves with copyright law. It's a bit like doctors being familiar with laws against certain medicinal practices (ex. treament utuilizing marajuana)

However, a large amount of tracers are new artists who simply need to be gently reminded of the rules. I agree that tracing is a valid way to practice getting difficult forms right (I even used some traces I made myself a while back to help practice with some Copic techniques, although I have not posted them here and don't even show them to friends), but they need to understand the difference between using references (properly, if I may add) and tracing. And of course that if it's traced, it's not original.

To be honest, I would much rather see original art, even if it's not as good.