It wasn't terribly off topic, no. But the "design similarities" point is pretty weak and not related to the matters at large. To address it though, I fundamentally disagree that ip theft or patent theft or anything else we can boil down to "OC donut steel" is a serious issue. Creativity is iterative, nothing is original, and pretending otherwise is silly. We make a big deal of these things because money is involved, but that doesn't compel my opinions whatsoever. Stickman drawings have been copied since humans could draw, and we've been iterating on them ever since. If someone claims to own the Stickman design, they're a dumbass. Incidentally, that's what happened with Nintendo claiming they own the concept of throwing a thing that summons another thing. The whole ordeal is ridiculous and only serves to stifle creative endeavors for monetary security.

I'm sure you've already heard these things and chosen to ignore them. That's your prerogative. I downvoted you because I think you're wrong and making a bad point. That's mine. Others feel the same way. People agreeing with the sentiment doesn't make them a hive mind. It means they've made similar observations about the same phenomenon. You're dehumanizing people by calling them a hive mind because they disagree with you. I'm calling you wrong because I think your opinion is wrong. You are allowed to be wrong, though. Your opinion is still perfectly valid and agreeable to many, many people. They are not a hive mind, but they are likeminded with you. That's okay. I encourage you to continue to voice your opinions despite opposition because I sincerely think that's a good thing for you to do. But try to remember that every single one of us (sans any possible bots) is actually a whole human with their own mind and reasons for doing what they do, even if you don't like them for doing it.