I agree that calling someone a bad person for using one of the most common test images is excessive. However, regarding this:

> The subject of the photograph merely went along with it.

The subject of the photograph did ask for it to no longer be used. Here's a quote from her:

> I retired from modeling a long time ago. It’s time I retired from tech, too.

> to defiantly do the opposite.

If the policing comes from third party for virtue signalling, this is fair game. Here, I'd just suggest that respecting her wish is just common courtesy and consider someone who defiantly doesn't as a somewhat rude person.

[0] https://interestingengineering.com/culture/bye-lenna-iconic-...