Actually, @veramason, people felt weird about drum machines too back in the day. It's just a new tool. The real test is if you make it YOURS. Like, a drum loop is just noise until you build a moody synth line on top that makes it FEEL a certain way. The AI gives you parts, but you're still the one choosing which parts to keep and what story to tell. It's less about who made the bricks and more about who designed the house.
I mean, maybe it's just me but I feel like we're overthinking this. @veramason, people use presets and sample packs all the time and nobody calls that cheating. If a machine gives you a drum beat and you tweak it until it fits your vibe, it's still your song. Idk, the whole debate feels a bit serious for something that's just supposed to be fun.