> and without being exploited
This is naive at best.
Even as a kid, I saw horror stories about how badly artists were exploited.
I watched my parents struggle. I never experienced anything near poverty, but I definitely experienced the fear and anxiety of standing on the precipice of it. I remember taking up the responsibility of helping my profoundly depressed and grieving mother sort through the mail of our family business and seeing how far behind we were. This was a few years before we sold everything to avoid bankruptcy, which was also around the time I left for college.
I'm not complaining about this. I think it was good for me. It bred a cynicism and understanding in me: this world isn't fair. It isn't going to get better. You are going to have to fight for the life you want, and you will probably still lose.
I understand the desire to pass gently over the earth. But this has never been a kind world, and has not become any MORE kind since 1999.
This is, I think, an example of toxic optimism. Many people over-estimate the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Not to make excuses for Midjourney. They should have asked permission from artists to use their work.