Unfortunately, flattered doesn't get the money back that you lose from design theft. Theft is theft, period. Nobody should feel good or flattered about it. The whole, "copying is the highest form of flattery" is some crap thieves say trying to make victims feel better about their situation. And in this cue making machinery industry, there's a LOT of "flattery" going on. Originality says a lot about a person's character. JMO
I understand your view, just trying to make a positive from a negative. I've actually had one of my designs copied from my industry on a magnitude much greater than this in the way of money. I've just had to look at it like its my contribution to the industry.