Just the right mix of provocation and input to deserve a reply instead of a shaking head! And mind you, I do like quotation marks.

I would like to answer your last questions with a question: why would I not choose an AI companion for certain interactions, like chores, given I don't rejoice in mundane daily interactions (and accept I don't leave space for special moments)? If I do not enjoy the hassle for bonding sexually, i can have my sexual fulfillment artificially while seeking social interaction for other reasons (i.e. platonic connection). Similar to this, I'd argue there's many forms of art which can be reduced along the lines of "a cool, colorful sticker for this wall" of some sort, likely a re-scrambled version of artwork that's already been made.

Still, I absolutely agree on the bias topic and over/underrepresentation. I did not consider this while writing up the thread! I do absolutely have to disagree on "AI should be focused on larger scale objectives" (why should a powerful tool be used for one thing alone?).

Just a thought: wouldn't 'underrepresented' communities actually benefit from the rise of AI art? Given their style will be more unique as it isn't easily mass-produced? In that sense, it would push artists to beyond great and average, in a way not observed before (or wielding AI properly for the best results), transforming the occupation as I pointed out already.