there basically isn't any authentic use for image generation, i would hardly say the negativity is unfounded

> authentic use

If you do not consider contemplation, for which we have filled our homes with works of art for centuries,

and if you do not consider those job that involve graphics production e.g. in the Madison Avenue "Mad Men" business (advertising - the payments are authentic),

you could consider "authentic" that when we do video production through generative models some start from stills (image generation) and then have other models animate those stills.

yes, just like emails and chats are inauthentic compared to perfumed letters written in cursive and delivered by a courier on a horse. they are a bit more convenient and affordable for most of us, though.