I would never even TOUCH most GPL source code let alone steal it and I DO write most of my own source (Except when I BUY third party redistributable componants or use BSD/MIT/PD stuff). I just can't stand hypocracy and leftism and I think the GPL practices BOTH.
"Most" is a weasel word. If you don't touch *ANY* GPL source code then you have nothing to worry about as the GPL won't affect anything you write. I don't see the problem you are having with the GPL unless you are using GPL code. If you don't want to abide by the terms of the license, then stay away from it. It's pretty simple.
It seems your only objection to the GPL is that the author doesn't let you do whatever you want with their code. This is nothing more than greed on your part, plain and simple. You seem to object to someone giving away a product, letting you modify it but then not letting you close the source and sell it for several hundred dollars per license. I don't personally care for the GPL license, but it is pathetic to hear the "principled stances" against it from businessmen who whine about how the GPL, unlike the BSD license, doesn't let them get something for nothing.
Perhaps the GPL bashers should have "code welfare" wherein they are entitled to other people's code even if it GPL'd. That sounds awefully similar to the whining from them about how "music pirates" feel they have a right to musical works.