@that girl again -

However, just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. Credit links, as well as being a form of thank you to the designer and an acknowledgement that the blogger didn’t do everything themselves, are often the only way of telling readers where the theme comes from and where they can download it for themselves.

With respect to use of code released under GPL, the only thing that matters is the intent of the user. The intent of the developer is completely irrelevant. Under no circumstances should users be guilt-tripped or otherwise coerced or compelled to do anything.

The GPL is quite explicit in this regard. Usually claims contrary to the clear wording of the GPL delve into supposed violations of the "ethics" or "spirit" of the GPL. Such arguments usually originate from developers attempting to "have their cake and eat it, too" - that is, attempting to benefit from the good publicity of releasing under GPL while at the same time attempting to compel their users to give up some of the freedoms protected by the GPL.

It is not unethical or otherwise wrong in any way whatsoever for a user to remove a credit link from a theme. It is, however, wrong to tell a user that he is somehow wronging the theme developer by his removal of that link - or that if he doesn't like having that link there, then he should code the theme himself.

If people are that bothered by crediting theme designers, they can make their own themes. Problem solved.

If theme developers are bothered that users are removing their credit links, then they can release their code under a license other than GPL. Problem solved.