Presented like that, I personally don't see the big deal the people "defending" it are making out of it. I admit, I've stated openly I would not apply for a Team Rocket character if I had to deal with stealing characters' Pokemon week in and week out.

Optional theft would leave it there so if I wanted to do it occasionally, I could, but otherwise I could play the type of character I want to play, who would be a loyal Team Rocket member otherwise. I would even say who it is, but I don't want to out myself right now.