Only to an outsider. Starting with an example and modifying it is a very standard, time-honored programming practice that has never been demonized that I know of. In fact it’s the norm for many contractors, who get paid for fast turnover and hugely benefit from taking an existing web page, module, etc. that’s similar to their goal and changing it, rather than starting from scratch. The idea isn’t to take credit, it’s to get the work done.