I think if you steal words and work from just one person, it is definitely plagiarism. However, if you steal a wealth of knowledge and work from many people, and then embellish it, then it is hard work...;-)
Out of the eater came something to eat...;-)
Out of the strong came something sweet!! Judges 14:14
Out of the delectable came something so melliferous it was sweeter than sweet...;-) Verse 2: U...;-)
Yes I have always felt there has to be a gray area here. Who owns the image of anything?
If you can think it, it must be from your mind.
A story is a story true, but if you change the names and the places, it can't be the same story.
George Harrison was successfully challenged over My Sweet Lord. The two songs were very
different.
Peoples work should be protected by copyright. But where it is generalized, probably not....;-) )