Quote - As of late, I have had numerous so called "neutral" individuals add me, with no comments EVER and did not even leave a comment on the link itself.  these are the only ones I am concerned about.  multiple attempts to contact these individuals to thank them for making me their favorite have never offered a reply.

Well, I think it's fine to have an option not to be a favorite, but if these people are adding images to be stolen later (which I doubt - it's easier to right click on the spot), removing the option accomplishes absolutely nothing. They can simply bookmark the page or gallery.