There have been tons of times where I have been browsing the forums and have seen an avatar that looks simply amazing. Rather than wanting to be like them though, I tend to just admire and think 'Ghads I wish I had thought of that item/ colour combination'. Maybe sometimes I'll think 'I wish I knew them well enough to talk to them properly without seeming like a rabid fan person after their fame'. sweatdrop
Occasionally though, I will see an avatar and try to copy the theme. Like if I see someone with a real-life type avatar, no wings/ demonic/ angelic something or others, and it has such a lovely homely or cute feel to it. Then I want to make a cutesy homely avatar like theirs, but not using the same items. I always end up with something completely different. OTL
"Is it bad to copy/try to copy someone else if you like what they're doing?"
I would say it depends on how well you know them and how far it goes. Like I have a friend and we'll both occasionally copy each other's avatars but with a different colour scheme. But we do it in fun and are both completely cool with it, more than anything it feels like a type of bonding I guess.
Taking inspiration from someone's avatar seems cool. If you just want to try out someone's avatar for a bit and you happen to have the items then I guess that isn't too bad (as long as you don't go bragging that you've come up with such a cool outfit). If you are constantly copying a user's avatar, every time they change it, to the point your avatars are almost identical, and you don't have their permission/ acknowledgement about it then I would say that is rather creepy and it should stop.
When should you know to stop copying/emulating
Definitely when they tell you to stop, provided you are actually copying the majority of their avatar and it's not a one off coincidence. Alternatively, when it seems like they are dropping hints about being uncomfortable about it or are avoiding you. I've never actually been on either side of this type of situation though so it;s hard to tell.